Assessing climate change vulnerability of tribal livelihoods in Madhya Pradesh, India: a multi-dimensional approach

Abstract

Climate change poses significant challenges to marginalised communities, particularly in regions with highly vulnerable populations like rural and tribal communities. These communities, highly dependent on natural resources, are disproportionately affected due to their reliance on agriculture, water resources, and traditional practices. Climate change exacerbates existing problems, such as poverty, illiteracy, poor facilities essential services, with marginalised groups facing the burden of its consequences globally. People with limited resources and adaptive capacity are the most vulnerable to climate risks, especially in developing nations like sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. The adverse effects of climate change have become more apparent in India. Shifts in monsoon patterns, increasing temperatures, and more frequent extreme weather events such as floods and droughts severely impact agriculture, which remains the primary livelihood for the rural population.