2 Mar 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

Environment & EcologySocial IssuesPolity & GovernanceNEWS

Climate Change Impacts on Tamil Nadu's Folk Art Traditions

Q: What measures can the Tamil Nadu government take to protect these folk artistes?

The Tamil Nadu government can take several measures: Key points: Provide financial assistance to improve their living conditions and access to healthcare.. Establish rest areas with cooling facilities during performances and travel.. Offer training programs on heat stress management and adaptation strategies.. Integrate climate resilience measures into the Tamil Nadu Folk Artistes Welfare Board's programs.. Promote folk art forms that are less physically demanding or can be performed indoors. Exam tip: When suggesting solutions, focus on practical and sustainable measures that address both the immediate needs and the long-term vulnerabilities of the artistes.

Rising heat and changing climate threaten the health and continuity of Tamil Nadu's folk art traditions.

A 2025 study by the State Planning Commission (SPC) reveals that 74% of Tamil Nadu's population resides in areas where air temperatures regularly exceed 35 degrees Celsius. This increasing heat is impacting folk artistes, who often perform outdoors in heavy costumes, leading to heat stress and exhaustion. Nearly 70% of districts are experiencing "very warm nights," offering little nocturnal relief, which exacerbates the problem. Many artistes suffer from chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, potentially forcing them to retire early.

The UNFCCC notes the absence of cultural heritage considerations in most climate agreements. The SPC study highlights that vulnerability to heat is linked to socio-economic factors. Folk artistes often lack basic comforts during travel and rest, and instrument makers also face challenges due to the heat. The Tamil Nadu Folk Artistes Welfare Board provides financial assistance.

However, the study emphasizes the need for systematic health check-ups and health insurance for these vulnerable populations. Climate change is compounding existing challenges such as shrinking patronage and dwindling audiences, threatening the future of Tamil Nadu's folk traditions. This intersection of climate change and cultural heritage is relevant to UPSC exams, particularly in the Environment & Ecology section (GS Paper III) and Social Justice (GS Paper II).

Key Facts

Folk artistes in Tamil Nadu perform outdoors in heavy costumes.

Rising temperatures are causing heat stress and exhaustion among artistes.

Many artistes have chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.

Lack of nocturnal relief exacerbates the problem.

Climate change is impacting the continuity of traditional art forms.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper I (Culture): Impact of climate change on cultural heritage and traditional art forms.

GS Paper II (Social Justice): Vulnerability of marginalized communities to climate change and the role of government in protecting their rights.

GS Paper III (Environment): Climate change adaptation strategies and the integration of cultural considerations into environmental policies.

Potential question types: Analytical questions on the socio-economic dimensions of climate change, case studies on the impact of climate change on specific cultural groups, and policy recommendations for integrating cultural heritage into climate action plans.

In Simple Words

Tamil Nadu's folk artists are facing a tough time because of the increasing heat. They often perform outside in heavy costumes, and the rising temperatures are making it hard for them. Many artists also have health issues like diabetes, making the heat even more dangerous.

India Angle

In India, many folk art forms are performed during festivals, which often take place in the summer. This means artists are exposed to extreme heat for long hours. This affects their health and could lead to fewer people taking up these art forms.

For Instance

Think of a street vendor who has to work all day under the sun. They need shade, water, and rest to avoid heatstroke. Similarly, folk artists need better facilities and support to cope with the rising temperatures during their performances.

This affects our culture and traditions. If folk artists can't perform due to heat, these art forms could disappear. It's important to protect these artists and their art for future generations.

Rising heat threatens Tamil Nadu's folk art; protecting artists protects our culture.

A study by the State Planning Commission (SPC) in 2025 reveals that 74% of Tamil Nadu's population lives in areas with air temperatures regularly exceeding 35 degrees Celsius. This increasing heat is impacting folk artistes, who often perform outdoors in heavy costumes, leading to heat stress and exhaustion. The lack of nocturnal relief, with nearly 70% of districts experiencing "very warm nights," exacerbates the problem.

Many artistes suffer from chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, potentially forcing them to retire early. The UNFCCC notes that cultural heritage is largely absent from climate agreements, and the SPC study highlights that vulnerability to heat includes socio-economic factors. Folk artistes often lack basic comforts during travel and rest, and instrument makers also face challenges due to the heat.

The Tamil Nadu Folk Artistes Welfare Board provides financial assistance, but systematic health check-ups and health insurance are needed. Climate change is adding to existing challenges like shrinking patronage and dwindling audiences, threatening the future of folk traditions.

Expert Analysis

The impact of climate change extends beyond environmental concerns, deeply affecting cultural heritage and vulnerable communities. Several key concepts help to understand this intersection, particularly in the context of Tamil Nadu's folk art traditions.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), established in 1992, is an international environmental treaty addressing climate change. While the UNFCCC aims to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations, the SPC study highlights a critical gap: the absence of cultural heritage considerations in most climate agreements. This means that the specific vulnerabilities of communities reliant on cultural practices, like Tamil Nadu's folk artistes, are often overlooked in global climate action plans.

The concept of climate vulnerability is central to understanding the SPC study's findings. Vulnerability refers to the degree to which a system is susceptible to, and unable to cope with, the adverse effects of climate change. The study reveals that 74% of Tamil Nadu's population lives in areas with regularly high temperatures, but it also emphasizes that vulnerability is not solely determined by environmental factors. Socio-economic conditions, such as the lack of basic comforts during travel and rest for folk artistes, significantly exacerbate their vulnerability to heat stress and exhaustion.

The role of the Tamil Nadu Folk Artistes Welfare Board is also crucial. This board provides financial assistance to folk artistes, but the SPC study suggests that this is insufficient. A more comprehensive approach is needed, including systematic health check-ups and health insurance, to address the chronic health conditions prevalent among artistes and mitigate the impacts of climate change on their livelihoods.

For UPSC aspirants, understanding these concepts is essential for both Prelims and Mains. Questions may address the UNFCCC's role in addressing cultural heritage, the socio-economic dimensions of climate vulnerability, and the effectiveness of welfare programs for vulnerable communities. This topic is relevant to GS Paper I (Culture), GS Paper II (Social Justice), and GS Paper III (Environment).

Visual Insights

Key Statistics on Climate Change Impact in Tamil Nadu

Highlights key statistics from the SPC study on the impact of climate change on Tamil Nadu's folk artistes.

Population in areas exceeding 35°C: 74%
Districts experiencing 'very warm nights': 70%

More Information

Background

The impact of climate change on vulnerable populations is a growing concern globally. In India, this is particularly relevant due to the country's diverse cultural heritage and large population dependent on traditional occupations. The UNFCCC, while focused on mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, has been criticized for not adequately addressing the cultural and social dimensions of climate change. Tamil Nadu's rich folk art traditions are facing increasing challenges due to changing climate patterns. The State Planning Commission (SPC) study highlights how rising temperatures and lack of nocturnal relief are affecting the health and livelihoods of folk artistes. This adds to existing problems such as shrinking patronage and dwindling audiences, threatening the survival of these art forms. The Tamil Nadu Folk Artistes Welfare Board, established to support these artistes, needs to adapt its strategies to address the emerging climate-related challenges. The issue also touches upon social justice and the state's responsibility to protect vulnerable populations. Article 21 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, which can be interpreted to include the right to a healthy environment and the protection of livelihoods from climate-related threats. The SPC study provides evidence that climate change is disproportionately impacting folk artistes, raising questions about equity and the need for targeted interventions.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been increasing recognition of the link between climate change and cultural heritage at the international level. UNESCO has been actively working to integrate cultural heritage considerations into climate action plans. However, implementation at the national and sub-national levels remains a challenge. In India, the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) outlines broad strategies for mitigating and adapting to climate change. However, specific measures to protect vulnerable cultural groups like folk artistes are lacking. State governments, including Tamil Nadu, are developing their own climate action plans, but these often prioritize sectors like agriculture and water resources, with less attention given to cultural heritage. Looking ahead, there is a need for greater integration of cultural heritage into climate policies and programs. This includes conducting vulnerability assessments, developing adaptation strategies, and providing targeted support to vulnerable communities. The Tamil Nadu government could consider expanding the scope of the Tamil Nadu Folk Artistes Welfare Board to include climate resilience measures and health support programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What's the most likely prelims question they'd ask from this, and what would be the trick?

UPSC might ask about the percentage of Tamil Nadu's population living in areas with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius. The correct answer is 74%. A likely distractor would be a similar-sounding percentage related to the number of affected districts.

Exam Tip

Remember the specific percentages mentioned in the study (74% of the population, 70% of districts). Pay close attention to what the percentage refers to.

2. This sounds like a GS Paper 1 (geography/society) and GS Paper 3 (environment) issue. Is that correct?

Yes, this issue has implications for both GS Paper 1 and GS Paper 3. For GS Paper 1, it highlights the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities and cultural heritage (folk arts). For GS Paper 3, it relates to environmental degradation, climate change impacts, and adaptation strategies. You could also potentially link it to GS Paper 2 (Social Justice) through the lens of vulnerable populations.

Exam Tip

When structuring your Mains answer, consider a multi-disciplinary approach, linking the environmental aspects with the socio-cultural and economic dimensions.

3. Why is the UNFCCC being criticized for not including cultural heritage?

The UNFCCC primarily focuses on mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Critics argue that it overlooks the social and cultural dimensions of climate change, such as the impact on traditional livelihoods, cultural practices, and heritage sites. The concern is that climate action plans should also consider protecting cultural heritage and supporting vulnerable communities in preserving their traditions.

Exam Tip

In Mains, when discussing UNFCCC, mention the need for a more holistic approach that integrates cultural and social considerations alongside emission reduction targets.

4. What is the connection between climate vulnerability and socio-economic factors in this case?

The SPC study highlights that folk artistes, who often come from marginalized socio-economic backgrounds, are more vulnerable to heat stress due to several factors: lack of access to basic comforts during travel and rest, pre-existing health conditions like diabetes and hypertension, and the physical demands of their performances in heavy costumes. Their socio-economic status limits their ability to adapt to rising temperatures.

Exam Tip

In your answers, emphasize that climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable populations and exacerbates existing inequalities.

5. What measures can the Tamil Nadu government take to protect these folk artistes?

The Tamil Nadu government can take several measures:

•Provide financial assistance to improve their living conditions and access to healthcare.
•Establish rest areas with cooling facilities during performances and travel.
•Offer training programs on heat stress management and adaptation strategies.
•Integrate climate resilience measures into the Tamil Nadu Folk Artistes Welfare Board's programs.
•Promote folk art forms that are less physically demanding or can be performed indoors.

Exam Tip

When suggesting solutions, focus on practical and sustainable measures that address both the immediate needs and the long-term vulnerabilities of the artistes.

6. How does this situation in Tamil Nadu reflect a larger global trend?

The situation in Tamil Nadu exemplifies a growing global trend where climate change disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations and threatens cultural heritage. Many traditional communities worldwide, particularly those dependent on outdoor activities and natural resources, are facing similar challenges due to rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation. This highlights the need for climate action plans to incorporate cultural and social dimensions.

Exam Tip

Connect local issues to global trends to demonstrate a broader understanding of the interconnectedness of climate change and its impacts.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the impact of climate change on folk artistes in Tamil Nadu: I. A 2025 study by the State Planning Commission (SPC) found that 74% of Tamil Nadu's population lives in areas with air temperatures regularly exceeding 35 degrees Celsius. II. The UNFCCC has explicitly addressed the vulnerability of cultural heritage in its climate agreements. III. The Tamil Nadu Folk Artistes Welfare Board provides systematic health check-ups and health insurance to all registered artistes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.I only
B.I and II only
C.II and III only
D.I, II and III

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement I is CORRECT: The 2025 SPC study indeed found that 74% of Tamil Nadu's population lives in areas with regularly high temperatures. Statement II is INCORRECT: The UNFCCC has been criticized for largely omitting cultural heritage considerations from its climate agreements. Statement III is INCORRECT: While the Tamil Nadu Folk Artistes Welfare Board provides financial assistance, the SPC study highlights the need for systematic health check-ups and health insurance, implying that these are not currently provided systematically.

2. Which of the following factors contributes to the vulnerability of folk artistes in Tamil Nadu to climate change? I. Performing outdoors in heavy costumes II. Lack of basic comforts during travel and rest III. High levels of patronage and audience support Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A.I and II only
B.I and III only
C.II and III only
D.I, II and III

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statements I and II are CORRECT: Performing outdoors in heavy costumes and the lack of basic comforts during travel and rest directly contribute to heat stress and exhaustion, increasing vulnerability. Statement III is INCORRECT: The summary mentions shrinking patronage and dwindling audiences, which exacerbates the challenges faced by folk artistes, rather than contributing to their resilience.

3. Assertion (A): Climate change poses a significant threat to the cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu, particularly its folk art traditions. Reason (R): Rising temperatures and extreme weather events directly impact the health and livelihoods of folk artistes, who often perform outdoors. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?

A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B.Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
C.A is true, but R is false
D.A is false, but R is true

Show Answer

Answer: A

Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. Climate change indeed threatens Tamil Nadu's cultural heritage, and the direct impact on folk artistes due to rising temperatures and extreme weather events is a key reason for this threat.