India’s climate tightrope: Green growth for Viksit Bharat

“Earth is my mother, and I am her son.” This ancient Indian wisdom underscores the principle of sustenance at the core of Indian ethos. It reflects our intrinsic connection with nature, a relationship that has now found resonance on the global stage amidst the clamour for sustainability. Ironically, this age-old philosophy is being revisited in a world that has thrived on overconsumption, particularly in developed nations. As India navigates its journey towards becoming a developed nation (‘Viksit Bharat’) by 2047, it faces the challenge of balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability.

A new argument on climate change

In a significant departure from the global climate change narrative, India’s Economic Survey 2023-24 presents a compelling case against risking economic welfare for strict adherence to global temperature thresholds. The government suggests that policies aimed at improving human welfare in the near term are the best insurance against climate change. This perspective challenges the excessive preoccupation with meeting a single global temperature target, such as the 1.5 or 2 degree Celsius thresholds set by the Paris Agreement.

The Economic Survey references Mike Hulme, a professor of geography at the University of Cambridge, who argues that global temperature is a flawed index for capturing the complex relationships between climate, human welfare, and ecological integrity. Hulme suggests that a world exceeding 2 degrees Celsius could potentially be more beneficial for human well-being and ecological stability than a world rigidly maintained at 1.5 degrees Celsius. This contrarian view calls for a shift from the current strategy of prioritising global temperature goals to a more balanced approach that also addresses overconsumption and lifestyle changes.

India’s commitment to green growth

India’s commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability is evident in its annual per capita carbon emissions, which are only about one-third of the global average despite being one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. The vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047 and achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2070 drives the country’s policies and interventions. This commitment is reflected in India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which outline ambitious targets for greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

However, achieving these targets requires substantial financial and technological support from developed countries. The financial requirements for a low-carbon development pathway are estimated to be between $5.8 trillion and $11.5 trillion by 2030. Despite the slow pace of international finance and technology transfers, India remains focused on sustainable economic growth as a cornerstone of addressing climate change.

Challenges and opportunities in the energy sector

Transitioning to cleaner energy sources poses significant challenges for India, particularly in terms of developing viable battery storage technologies and securing critical minerals. The global push for renewable energy and electric vehicles has sparked a race to secure these essential materials, adding complexity to ensuring a stable supply. Nuclear energy, recognised as one of the cleanest and safest options, also presents a potential solution to India’s energy challenges.

India’s energy needs are projected to grow 2 to 2.5 times by 2047, necessitating a diversified mix of energy sources. While fossil fuels currently dominate the energy mix, significant strides have been made in integrating renewable energy. The PM-Surya Ghar Yojana and the national offshore wind energy policy are pivotal initiatives aimed at increasing renewable energy capacity and reducing carbon emissions. The Green Hydrogen Mission further exemplifies India’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions in hard-to-abate sectors by targeting five MMT of green hydrogen by 2030.

The National Action Plan on Climate Change

India’s mission-mode approach to climate action is embodied in the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), which outlines strategies for sustainable development across nine national missions, including solar energy, water, energy efficiency, and sustainable agriculture. State-specific Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCC) further reinforce these strategies, with 34 SAPCCs operational to date.

Significant progress has been made in renewable energy, particularly solar power. In 2023–24, India added 15.03 GW of installed solar power capacity, reaching a cumulative 82.64 GW by April 2024. The National Mission on Enhanced Energy Efficiency and the Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) scheme have also contributed to substantial energy savings and greenhouse gas reductions.

India’s early achievement of its first NDC targets is also noteworthy. By 2021, the country had achieved 40 per cent cumulative electrical power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources and reduced the emission intensity of its GDP by 33 per cent from 2005 levels. These achievements, reached well ahead of the 2030 deadline, demonstrate India’s proactive stance on climate action.

Adaptation and resilience

Adaptation is critical for India, one of the most climate-vulnerable countries. Government initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) and the National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) aim to enhance agricultural resilience. Urban wetlands and mangrove conservation are also prioritised to protect against climate impacts. Adaptation-related spending has grown from 3.7 per cent of GDP in 2015-16 to 5.60 per cent in 2021-2022, reflecting the government’s commitment to climate resilience.

Sustainable lifestyle: A model for the world

India’s journey towards a sustainable lifestyle is deeply rooted in its ancient spiritual and philosophical traditions. This intrinsic resilience is often a subject of global surprise, especially in the face of major adversities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of Mission LiFE at the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) encapsulates this ethos, urging individuals to adopt sustainable practices and make pro-planet choices.

The Indian way of life, with its emphasis on harmony with nature and sustainable practices, has become a guiding light for global climate action. By leveraging domestic resources and seeking international support, India is well on its way to achieving its ambitious climate goals. The country’s proactive approach to climate action, balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, underscores its commitment to a greener future. The Indian way of sustainability, with its deep spiritual and philosophical foundations, offers valuable lessons for global climate action.

In conclusion, India’s approach to climate change, rooted in its ancient ethos of harmony with nature, presents a balanced path forward. The country’s commitment to green growth, despite the challenges, highlights the potential for sustainable development that respects both human welfare and ecological integrity. As the world grapples with the complexities of climate change, India’s philosophy of “Mata Bhumi Putroham Prithivyah” reminds us of our collective responsibility to protect our planet, while “Aham Brahmasmi” underscores our individual duty to contribute to this cause.

Dr Kirit P Solanki is ex-Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha. Dr. Kaviraj Singh is founder and Managing Director, Earthood. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views