India Against Climate Change- are we doing enough?

Despite all the criticism India gets for having the carbon footprint of 1.4 billion people, it still stands effectively 4th on the Climate Change Performance Index. India’s efforts for climate action have been multifaceted and ambitious, reflecting its commitment to addressing the global climate crisis while balancing a developing nation’s developmental needs.

As one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies, India has taken significant steps to mitigate climate change and adapt to its impacts. The country has set ambitious targets under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) as part of the Paris Agreement, aiming to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% from 2005 levels by 2030, achieve 40% of its electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030, and create an additional carbon sink of 2.5-3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover. India has also launched several key initiatives, such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to promote solar energy globally, the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) with eight national missions targeting various sectors, and the Green India Mission to enhance forest cover.

India has been proactive in promoting renewable energy, with significant investments in solar and wind power, and has implemented policies to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions from key sectors. Despite these efforts, challenges remain, including the need for substantial financial resources, technology transfer, and capacity building to achieve its climate goals. India’s leadership in climate action is crucial not only for its own sustainable development but also for global efforts to combat climate change.

And there is always the looming question: is what we doing going to be enough?

Jargon

National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): A policy document established by the Prime Minister’s Council aimed at balancing India’s economic needs with ecological preservation. It includes eight missions focusing on solar energy, energy efficiency, sustainable habitat, water, sustaining the Himalayan ecosystem, a ‘Green India’, sustainable agriculture, and strategic knowledge for climate change.
International Solar Alliance (ISA): A global coalition launched by India and France in 2015 to promote solar energy utilization and facilitate cooperation among solar-rich countries. It aims to mobilize $1 trillion in solar investments by 2030.
Green Hydrogen Mission: An initiative by India to develop green hydrogen as a clean energy source, aiming to produce 5 million metric tons annually by 2030. It includes a budgetary outlay of INR 19,744 crores and focuses on creating demand from industries and supporting R&D.
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33-35% from 2005 levels by 2030, achieve 40% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030, and create an additional carbon sink of 2.5-3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through forest and tree cover.
Paris Agreement: An international treaty adopted in 2015 to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. It requires countries to set and achieve their own climate targets.

Viewpoints 💭

‘Left’ Viewpoint

Ideological Differences

‘Right’ Viewpoint

India’s efforts in combating climate change are commendable but need to be significantly amplified, especially in renewable energy investment and reducing reliance on coal for energy needs.
The government must prioritize climate adaptation measures, ensuring that climate finance is accessible and adequately allocated towards vulnerable communities and ecosystems.
Grassroots solutions and community-led initiatives, like the spread of electric rickshaws, should be more supported and integrated into the national climate action strategy.
There is an urgent need for a more inclusive approach in climate policymaking, engaging with indigenous communities, local stakeholders, and emphasizing gender-responsive climate actions.
India should lead by example in the Global South by adopting more aggressive targets for renewable energy and emission reductions, moving beyond the commitments of the Paris Agreement.

While both perspectives recognize the importance of India’s role in global climate action, the left tends to emphasize more aggressive action, social equity, and grassroots involvement, whereas the right focuses on a balanced approach, technological solutions, and international cooperation.
There is a divergence on the pace and scale of transitioning to renewable energy, with the left advocating for rapid and ambitious shifts away from fossil fuels, and the right cautioning against the risks to energy security and economic stability.
The role of international climate finance is a point of contention, with the left urging for greater accountability and support from developed nations, while the right views India’s efforts to secure international partnerships and investments as crucial steps forward.
Approaches to climate adaptation and resilience also vary, with the left calling for more inclusive and community-centric strategies, and the right highlighting government-led initiatives and policy frameworks as key drivers of action.
The ideological divide extends to the perception of India’s climate diplomacy, with the left often critical of the perceived slow progress in global negotiations, and the right praising India’s strategic positioning and advocacy for equitable climate solutions.

India’s strategic approach to balancing economic growth with climate action is pragmatic, focusing on gradual transitions to clean energy while ensuring energy security.
The emphasis on technology and innovation, particularly in digital infrastructure and green hydrogen, is crucial for India’s sustainable development and long-term climate resilience.
International collaborations, like the partnerships with UAE and initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, are key to India’s climate strategy, showcasing leadership on the global stage.
The government’s initiatives, such as the issuance of sovereign green bonds and the promotion of electric vehicles, demonstrate a commitment to mobilizing resources for climate action.
India’s stance on differentiated responsibilities and equity in global climate negotiations is justified, highlighting the need for developed nations to fulfill their financial commitments and support technology transfer.

Prominent Voices 📣

From the ‘Left’

From the ‘Right’

Chandra Bhushan (Environmental activist): Advocated for increased ambition in India’s climate goals and the potential for the poor to adopt affordable, low-carbon technologies. [1]
Devinder Sharma (Trade and Food Policy Analyst): Criticized the creation of a global biofuel alliance amid the ‘Zero Hunger’ goal as a historic blunder. [2]
Jairam Ramesh (Indian Politician): Highlighted Indian suspicions of a covert political agenda among climate scientists. [3]
Leo Saldanha (Environment Support Group): Criticizes the destruction of agro-pastoral economies for renewable energy projects and the environmental impact of Metro systems. [4]
P.K. Sen (Former Project Tiger Director): Criticized the compensatory afforestation program for focusing on monoculture plantations rather than natural forests. [5]

Bhupender Yadav (Environment Minister of India): Emphasized India’s consistent contribution to climate action and the need for a new climate finance amount based on developing countries’ requirements. [6] [7]
Narendra Modi (Prime Minister of India): Expressed India’s commitment to global climate change efforts and emphasized the importance of Mission LiFE for actionable environmental measures. [6] [8]
Nitin Gadkari (Minister for Road Transport and Highways): Discussed the importance of energy independence and the natural progression towards electric vehicles without strict deadlines. [1]
RK Singh (Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy): Emphasized that India’s energy transition actions are consistent with keeping temperature rise below 2 degrees. [9]