Indian weather fanatics are gaining popularity online as they share information and track weather patterns in ways that governments and traditional media can’t. By taking matters into their own hands, these influencers show that people are seeking out evidence-based ways to tackle climate change.
Weather enthusiasts in India are taking to social media to share their predictions and are gaining a following for their on-the-ground reporting. Governmental meteorological organisations are often under-resourced, so these weather micro-influencers have established low-cost, hyperlocal systems to observe and track weather patterns and shifts from public domain sources for specific cities, towns, and villages.
As approximately three in five Indians (62%) perceive climate change as a threat to their country in the next 20 years with 37% seeing it as a “very serious” threat, climate consciousness is increasing and people are frustrated by the lack of action being taken. Now, people in India are taking matters into their own hands and are seeking ways to exercise their agency when it comes to caring for the environment.
Social media accounts like ChennaiRains and Odisha Weatherman post their weather-related content which is inspiring dozens of smaller accounts in different locations across the country. With a new era of purpose-driven creators taking the lead, brands are following suit and activities like India’s hyperlocal forecasting and Sky Canvas are encouraging people to engage with climate research as they seek evidence-based approaches to climate care.
