Context
- As the new government settles in, its actions on climate change will significantly impact every ministry and sector.
- The new government has the opportunity to elevate India’s global climate leadership over the next four to five years.
- Decisions made now will shape India's economic path towards sustainability, position it as a leader for the Global South, and determine its fight for climate finance and justice over the next five years.
An Overview of India's Climate Transformation: A Decade of Progress and Leadership
- Establishing Global Institutions
- International Solar Alliance (ISA)
- Launched in 2015, the ISA aims to promote solar energy utilisation and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
- By bringing together solar-rich countries, India has facilitated collaboration on solar energy projects, research, and policy development.
- This initiative highlights India’s leadership in promoting renewable energy and addressing energy security concerns.
- Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)
- Established in 2019, the CDRI focuses on building resilient infrastructure to withstand the impacts of climate change.
- This initiative underscores the importance of preparedness and adaptation, particularly in the face of increasing climate-related disasters.
- By creating international cooperation, India is helping to build a more resilient global infrastructure landscape.
- Global Biofuels Alliance
- This alliance aims to promote the use of biofuels as a sustainable energy source.
- By advocating for biofuel adoption, India is addressing both energy security and environmental sustainability, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and promoting cleaner alternatives.
- Green Development Pact
- During its G-20 presidency, India championed the Green Development Pact, which emphasizes sustainable and inclusive growth.
- This pact underscores India’s commitment to integrating sustainability into global economic policies and fostering international cooperation on climate action.
- Setting Ambitious Targets
- 2070 Net-Zero Target
- India’s announcement of its goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 is a landmark commitment.
- This target signifies a long-term vision for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
- By setting this goal, India is aligning itself with global efforts to limit temperature rise and mitigate climate change impacts.
- Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
- India’s NDCs under the Paris Agreement outline its plans for reducing emissions and enhancing climate resilience.
- These contributions include targets for increasing renewable energy capacity, improving energy efficiency, and reducing emissions intensity.
- India’s ambitious NDCs reflect its proactive stance on climate action and its commitment to achieving measurable progress.
- Integrating Sustainability into Domestic Economic Policies
- Indian Emissions Carbon Trading Scheme
- The establishment of a carbon trading scheme represents a significant step towards market-based mechanisms for reducing emissions.
- This scheme allows for the trading of carbon credits, incentivising businesses to adopt cleaner technologies and reduce their carbon footprint.
- Designed to operate for several decades, this institution is a cornerstone of India’s long-term climate strategy.
- Renewable Energy Expansion
- India has made remarkable progress in expanding its renewable energy capacity, particularly in solar and wind energy.
- Government policies and initiatives, such as the National Solar Mission, have facilitated large-scale deployment of renewable energy projects.
- This shift towards renewables not only reduces emissions but also enhances energy security and provides economic opportunities.
- Sustainable Development Initiatives
- India has launched various initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development, including efforts to enhance energy efficiency, promote green transportation, and support sustainable agriculture.
- These initiatives align with global sustainability goals and contribute to India’s broader climate objectives.
The Impact of India’s Climate Transformation
- Enhanced Global Leadership
- By establishing global institutions and setting ambitious targets, India has positioned itself as a leader in the global climate discourse.
- This leadership role enables India to influence international climate policies and advocate for the needs and priorities of developing countries.
- Economic and Social Benefits
- Integrating sustainability into economic policies has yielded numerous benefits for India.
- The expansion of renewable energy has created jobs, improved energy access, and reduced energy costs.
- Sustainable development initiatives have enhanced resilience, reduced environmental degradation, and improved quality of life for communities.
- Climate Resilience and Adaptation
- India’s focus on disaster-resilient infrastructure and climate adaptation measures has strengthened its capacity to withstand climate impacts.
- This resilience is crucial for protecting vulnerable communities and ensuring sustainable development in the face of climate change.
A Five-Year Climate Plan Sheet for India
- Go Higher: India’s Global Leadership
- India's leadership on the global stage should be enhanced.
- Hosting major international climate summits, such as the United Nations Conference of Parties in 2028, would solidify its status.
- To achieve this, India must start building consensus on key issues like halting new investments in oil and gas by 2030 and securing adaptation finance for developing countries.
- This requires proactive diplomacy and forming strategic alliances.
- Additionally, India should continue advocating for equity in international forums and positioning itself as a leader in securing climate finance.
- Go Wider: Sectoral Emission Reduction Targets
- India needs to broaden its emission reduction targets beyond the power sector.
- Significant progress has been made in the power sector, but other sectors, such as private mobility, need clear zero-carbon goals.
- Expanding these targets will benefit not just urban areas but also rural India, driving job creation in clean energy and sustainability, and promoting economic growth.
- Credible policy goals have previously spurred industries into action, and the upcoming NDC for 2035 presents an opportunity to set broader energy transition targets.
- Go Deeper: Sub-National Climate Action
- Sub-national climate action and resilience must be prioritised. Initiatives like those by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), which supports state-level net-zero plans, are crucial.
- Collaborations with states such as Tamil Nadu and Bihar on their net-zero transition plans are positive steps.
- To enhance this, a Centre-State coordination group should be established, incentivizing state-level climate actions through mechanisms like the Sixteenth Finance Commission.
- Integrating scientific modelling capabilities into policymaking and creating a unified data measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) architecture are essential for coordinated and effective state-level actions.
Conclusion
- The new government has the opportunity to elevate India's global climate leadership in its new term.
- Looking ahead to the next four to five years, India must leverage its position at international forums to demonstrate its prowess in climate action.
- By going higher, wider, and deeper, India can achieve a sustainable economic path and solidify its role as a global climate leader.
