The State of India’s Environment 2026 report, released by the Center for Science and Environment (CSE) on February 25, 2026, highlights severe environmental challenges in India, such as extreme weather, air pollution, and changing tiger behaviors, linking these issues to global climate change.
CSE Director General Sunita Narain emphasized that the climate crisis is reaching a critical point with global temperatures expected to exceed 1.5°C. The report notes a sharp increase in extreme weather events in India, particularly in 2025, with incidents recorded on 99% of days, leading to over 4,400 deaths and significant agricultural damage. Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, and Madhya Pradesh were the most affected regions.
The report argues for a shift from post-disaster relief to pre-disaster resilience, advocating for nature-based solutions like wetland restoration and better urban planning. It also indicates a worrying trend of rising tiger attacks on humans due to overlapping habitats and increased human encroachment.
Additionally, the report highlights significant gaps in air quality monitoring, with only 15% of the population living near monitoring stations. This lack of data, especially in smaller towns, reflects structural inequalities in environmental governance. Overall, the report calls for urgent climate action and smarter, equitable planning for the future.
