India’s bold climate leadership amid global heatwave concerns

India stands out as a beacon of hope, demonstrating unwavering commitment through innovative climate initiatives and sustainable practices

This year’s record-breaking heatwave in Delhi, with temperatures reaching 50°C, has highlighted concerns about the negative effects of climate change globally. India continues to be a beacon of hope through its actions as part of the global effort to combat climate change. Through numerous initiatives, the country has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability.

India’s journey towards climate action began in 2009 when the country voluntarily pledged to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 20-25% by 2020 compared to 2005 levels. Impressively, India achieved a 24% reduction within the set timeframe. In line with the Paris Agreement, India submitted its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the UNFCCC in 2015, with eight ambitious targets for 2021-2030, further reinforcing its commitment to combating climate change.

Tree planting and forest conservation are at the heart of India’s environmental efforts. Through programs such as the National Mission for Green India and the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA), India encourages the use of barren land for tree plantation.

The country ranks third globally in net forest area gain, with 21.71% of its geographical area covered by forests. Initiatives such as the Green Credit Program further encourage tree planting and forest restoration. India’s commitment to wetland conservation is equally impressive, with 80 designated Ramsar sites. The Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) aims to promote and conserve mangroves, which are vital for carbon sequestration and marine biodiversity.

The country has implemented the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021, which bans the use of single-use plastics. Renewable energy is another area where India excels. The National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched in January 2023, aims to position India as a leader in green hydrogen technology. The country ranks fourth globally in renewable energy capacity.

India’s environmental initiatives extend beyond its borders. The country plays a pivotal role in global platforms such as the Global Alliance for Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency. India has made remarkable strides in tackling climate change, achieving a commendable 7th position in this year’s Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), up one spot from last year, making it one of the best performing countries in the world.

India’s high rankings in the GHG Emissions and Energy Use categories underscore the country’s efforts to manage its environmental impact, despite its large population. Notably, India’s per capita emissions remain relatively low, in line with global benchmarks aimed at limiting temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial averages.

However, the path forward is complex, and critical areas still require focused attention and accelerated action. India remains heavily dependent on coal, oil and gas to meet its growing energy needs. This dependency contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and severe air pollution, especially in urban areas. While there is a slight positive trend in renewable energy adoption, the pace of this transition is too slow to meet urgent climate goals.

Despite high scores in emissions and energy consumption, India has an average rating in Climate Policy and Renewable Energy. The country has a clear long-term policy focused on renewable energy, including domestic production of renewable energy components. However, the implementation of this policy needs to be more effective.

Prime Minister Modi’s announcement at COP26, in which he set a net-zero emissions target for 2070, has been criticised by experts for lacking ambition. There have been strong calls for a faster phase-out of coal, less reliance on gas and a significant expansion of renewable energy.

India’s heavy reliance on coal poses a significant challenge. Despite high taxes on petrol and diesel, consumption has not declined. Some experts see these taxes as effective, while others stress the government’s dependence on the revenues they generate.

The rewording of ‘phase out’ to ‘phase out’ for fossil fuels, advocated by India and China at the last COP, was a setback for global climate commitments. Large-scale renewable energy projects in India have also been criticised for negatively impacting local communities through land grabbing and unequal resource distribution. Policies have largely been mitigation-oriented rather than transformative, and have often ignored adaptation and disaster risk management. There is a growing call for policies that embrace ecosystem-based solutions and prioritise equity, to ensure that climate actions benefit all segments of society. India needs a more bottom-up approach to policy implementation, incorporating the needs and demands of tribal and rural communities.

(The author is an NCAER faculty member; views expressed are personal)