Political ecology of climate change in Sundarbans, India: Understanding well-being, social vulnerabilities, and community perception

Abstract

This study is an attempt to review the climate change phenomenon through the theoretical lens of “Political Ecology of Health.” It identifies the strategic implications of climate change policies on health and well-being in the Sundarbans region of India and other related factors which come into play in determining the health status there. It encapsulates the existing vulnerabilities observed in this eco-sensitive region and tries to reflect on the community's perception of the climate change crises inflicted upon them. The paper presents a comprehensive review of current conditions in the region. In addition to utilizing electronic databases, the author also reached out to experts from pertinent organizations with related expertise to gather supplementary references. Adapting to climate change is crucial to cope with the changing surroundings and elevate competency. Since Sundarbans’ adaptation strategies are intricately dependent on historical positionality, community behavior, gender roles, social capital, and ecoregion sensitivity, the well-being and recovery in the community are very much context-specific. Thus, it must give space to discourses of newer politics of adaptation, emerging from a rigorous ecological standpoint. Looking into the matter through the lens of “situated knowledge, political economy and socio-ecological relationships” brought out important issues like land-ownership conflict, fading away of the traditional knowledge system, conspicuous utilization of funds and a poor public health system.