Climate change is driving up food inflation in India by disrupting the production of key kitchen staples—tomato, onion, and potato (TOP crops). Extreme heatwaves and erratic rainfall over the past five years have slashed yields, damaged crops in fields and storage, and triggered sharp price spikes, with vegetable inflation reaching up to 42% in 2024. Small farmers are hit hardest due to limited storage and transport infrastructure. Experts recommend climate-resilient crop varieties, stronger supply chains, weather-based price forecasting, and social protections to safeguard both producers and consumers from climate-driven food crises.

Punjab and Himachal Pradesh have been devastated by record-breaking rainfall, the heaviest in decades, leading to overflowing rivers, dam releases, and widespread flooding. Punjab has lost 30 lives, seen 1,400 villages inundated, and 1.48 lakh hectares of crops destroyed, while Himachal reported 310 deaths and damages of nearly ₹3,000 crore. Experts attribute the crisis to climate change intensifying western disturbances alongside the monsoon, but also to poor preparedness, unregulated construction, deforestation, and faulty development models. Governments are demanding massive relief packages, while critics accuse state authorities of negligence, underscoring the urgent need for climate-resilient planning.

Most of the world’s top EV battery makers are failing to set strong climate targets, particularly for adopting 100% renewable electricity and cutting supply chain emissions. While companies like CATL, LG Energy Solution, and Panasonic Energy have set such goals, the majority still lack commitments, leaving their production reliant on fossil fuels. Manufacturers must shift rapidly to renewables, set supplier reduction targets, and use recycled materials to genuinely support the global low-carbon transition..