Climate Crisis in the Himalayas: Understanding India’s Deadly Monsoon Season | Expert Analysis

In this discussion, Akshit Sangomla, a science and climate journalist who works with CSE and its publication, Down To Earth analyzes the devastating 2025 monsoon season that wreaked havoc across northern India, particularly the Himalayan regions. He explains how 19 western disturbances occurred between June and September—far exceeding the normal 2-3—and how Arctic warming is disrupting the subtropical westerly jet stream, causing these disturbances to remain active during monsoon months. Akshit addresses India’s emission reduction progress, the health impacts of humid heat waves, and the urgent need for developed nations to fulfill their climate finance commitments as the world faces increasingly extreme weather events.