ABSTRACT
Despite the existence of a robust history of social movements in India, climate change has not emerged as a rallying point for social movements as of now. This chapter examines some of the reasons why this has not yet happened. The chapter looks at theoretical literature on why social movements emerge. While Relative Deprivation Theory and Resource Mobilisation Theory are both compelling arguments, these are also highly contested. In the current case, these theories are inadequate. I argue that one must look at the available political opportunity structure in order to understand whether and why (or why not) a social movement around a particular issue occurs. These include the general political environment, formal institutions and also framing of the issue at hand. In the Indian case, the record is mixed on all these parameters, ensuring that while climate change is discussed in various social movements, there is, so far, no coherent social movement around the issue itself.
