Early insight on how climate action can benefit health in rural India.

Introduction: India faces severe health impacts from climate change. While urban-focused initiatives like the National Clean Air Programme and heat action plans aim to address dangerous exposures, rural regions, home to over 60% of India's population, remain underprioritized in mitigation and adaptation measures. To address this gap, the Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA) and Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) implemented the Methods: In March 2024, 90 household surveys were conducted in Nagano Math, a village of 256 households in the state of Gujarat, assessing air quality effects, indoor thermal comfort, and health impacts following the implementation of climate-friendly renewable energy solutions. Results: Survey responses (n-86) indicated substantial awareness of indoor air pollution from traditional cooking methods, with 88% of respondents acknowledging its impact. Nine households received biogas installations and 78% noted improved indoor air quality, while 66 % observed enhanced outdoor air quality and 56% respondents reported health benefits from adopting cleaner cooking for themselves or other members of the household. Of 19 households that installed cool roofs as part of the program, 37% reported improved thermal comfort indoors. Discussion: Climate actions in this village are delivering health and environmental gains to this community with benefits are reported in about half of households. Findings of our preliminary survey in a single village suggest scaling up climate interventions across rural India could deliver substantial improvements in living conditions.