As the author of Heat and Hustle: The Impact of Climate Change on the Indian Economy I am honoured to share insights gathered from my professional journey in the field of ESG and EHS and from the collective wisdom of countless communities policymakers and industry leaders across India. This book is more than a compilation of facts and analysis it is a call to action. Climate change is not a distant threat it is a lived reality that touches every facet of our economy our environment and our daily lives. India stands at a crossroads where every choice we make as citizens professionals and leaders will shape the legacy we leave for future generations. I hope these chapters ignite a sense of responsibility urgency and possibility. The challenges are immense but so too are the opportunities for innovation resilience and inclusive growth. Whether you are a student policymaker entrepreneur or concerned citizen your actions matter. Even small steps adopting sustainable habits supporting green initiatives or advocating for responsible governance can help build a more resilient and equitable India. Let this book be a resource and an inspiration to champion sustainability to ask bold questions and to lead with empathy and integrity in the face of climate adversity. Together we can transform the heat of crisis into the hustle for a sustainable and prosperous future. __ Manish Kumar