A recent study by the Meghalaya Climate Change Centre released on Friday has revealed a troubling economic reality for thousands of families across the state. According to the assessment, a significant portion of households in Meghalaya earn less than ₹5,000 per month, highlighting deep-rooted income disparities and economic vulnerability that could be exacerbated by climate change.
The report, which evaluated climate vulnerability across 39 Community and Rural Development (C&RD) blocks in the state, offers insight not only into the environmental challenges ahead but also into the socio-economic fragility that leaves many communities ill-equipped to cope with them.
Researchers found that the majority of rural households continue to depend on subsistence farming and daily wage labour, sectors that are highly susceptible to weather fluctuations, erratic rainfall, and soil degradation. These income-generating activities are not only seasonal but are also increasingly unreliable due to the changing climate patterns in the region.
According to the findings, the lack of financial stability in these households could intensify the impact of climate stressors such as floods, droughts, and shifting agricultural cycles. The report identifies low income as a core factor contributing to overall vulnerability, making it harder for families to invest in climate-resilient infrastructure or technology.
Experts behind the study have stressed the need for urgent policy interventions that combine poverty alleviation with environmental resilience. Suggestions include targeted livelihood schemes, improved access to credit, diversification of income sources, and the promotion of climate-resilient farming practices.
The Meghalaya Climate Change Centre’s report also emphasizes that social vulnerabilities — such as limited education, healthcare access, and infrastructure gaps — further complicate the ability of rural communities to respond to climatic shocks. These compounding factors put immense pressure on already-stressed local economies, leading to a cycle of poverty and risk.
The assessment is part of a broader state initiative to prepare Meghalaya for the impacts of global warming while aligning local development plans with sustainable and inclusive practices. Officials believe that such data will serve as a crucial input for district-level adaptation strategies and funding priorities.
With climate change expected to disproportionately affect economically weaker regions, Meghalaya’s case stands as a stark reminder that development and environmental planning must go hand in hand.
