Crafting Through Crisis: The Impact of Climate Change on India’s Artisan Communities

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, which can occur naturally due to factors such as changes in the sun’s activity or large volcanic eruptions. However, since the 1800s, human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas, have become the primary drivers of climate change. In India, the craft sector holds significant economic importance due to its low carbon emissions, responsible production practices, empowerment of marginalized communities, and reliance on low-energy technology. As a leading sector in the creative economy, it provides essential, non-negotiable resources for global trade.

Despite its strengths, the craft sector faces growing challenges due to climate change. Local plants and species used as raw materials for crafts are becoming increasingly scarce. Traditional species such as Ber (Ziziphus maurifiana), Palash (Butea monosperma), Kusum (Schleichera), and Desi Babul (Vachellia nilotica) are disappearing, while shifts in seasons and shortened growing periods affect the availability and quality of these materials. Erratic rainfall, heatwaves, cold waves, and cyclones further exacerbate the difficulties faced by artisans. For instance, pottery artisans are struggling with increased salinity in sand and cracks caused by heatwaves and higher temperatures, leading to higher production costs and reduced profits.

In the textile industry, unseasonal and erratic rains disrupt the planning and production processes in techniques like block printing and batik printing. Limited days for sun drying and excessive moisture during production periods hinder the artisans's work. Weavers face challenges due to the declining quality of wool and cotton. Unexpected dry spells reduce the quality of fodder for sheep, resulting in coarser wool, while erratic rainfall harms cotton crops, driving up costs for artisans. Climate change also directly and indirectly impacts the mental and physical health of poor and marginalized communities. The rise in suicides among agricultural and artisan communities in India, where livelihoods heavily depend on agriculture, highlights the severity of the crisis. For example, according to Reuters, a recent heatwave in India claimed over 100 lives and caused heat-related illnesses in more than 25,000 individuals. In 2018, the devastating floods in Kerala severely affected weavers in Chendamangalam, demonstrating the vulnerability of artisan communities to climate disasters.

Irregular weather patterns, multiple failed harvests, and shorter production cycles have trapped artisans in cycles of debt and borrowing. This economic strain, combined with the inability to sustain their livelihoods, has resulted in the forced migration of artisans. The situation urgently calls for action at both policy and individual levels to address the challenges posed by climate change and to provide adequate support for artisans in India.