Einstein International Journal Organization(EIJO)

Abstract

Rajasthan, India’s largest state by geographical area, represents one of South Asia’s most climate-sensitive arid and semi-arid regions. Over the past decade, the state has experienced pronounced climatic variability marked by rising temperatures, erratic monsoon behaviour, intensifying heat waves, declining groundwater reserves, deteriorating air and water quality, and escalating ecological stress. These changes are occurring against a backdrop of rapid urbanization, agricultural intensification, population growth, and land-use transformation, which together amplify regional vulnerability. This review synthesizes peer-reviewed research, government datasets, and institutional reports to critically examine recent climate trends in Rajasthan and their cascading impacts on water resources, agriculture, forests, biodiversity, public health, and socio-economic resilience. Emphasis is placed on the interaction between slow- onset climatic processes such as warming and groundwater depletion and extreme events including heat waves, droughts, and episodic floods. The review highlights spatial heterogeneity in climate impacts, identifies knowledge gaps in existing research, and evaluates current adaptation and governance responses. By integrating climatic, environmental, and sectoral perspectives, this article contributes a comprehensive and region-specific synthesis relevant to climate policy, adaptation planning, and sustainability science in dry land regions globally.

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