Climate Change and Electoral Politics in India

Source-This post on Climate Change and Electoral Politics in India has been created based on the article “Climate change, a passing cloud in Indian politics” published in “The Hindu” on 21 May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3– Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.

Context-The article highlights the lack of attention given to climate change by the major political parties in their electoral campaigns and manifestos for the 2024 general elections in India.

This absence is significant, given the vulnerability of India to the impacts of climate change that includes rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and severe air pollution. Climate Change and Electoral Politics in India

What is the reason behind the omission of climate change discourse from electoral agendas in India?

1) A Calculated Omission– To incorporate effective climate measures into their political plans, they must recognize the trade-offs between quick industrial expansion and environmental preservation. This could lead to alienating influential industrial groups and upsetting the economic balance, which heavily depends on fossil fuels and industries with high emissions.

2) Vague Climate Policies and Lack of Commitment– They have vague and non-committal nature of climate policies mentioned in the party manifestos. For ex- the main opposition party’s manifesto has a chapter on ‘Environment Protection and Climate Change Authority,’ proposing a ‘Green New Deal Investment Program without clear directives or commitments to specific reductions in carbon emissions.

What are some of the initiatives undertaken by the Indian government and the court to address the climate change issue?

1) India’s climate policy efforts are directed by the National Action Plan on Climate Change that includes various policy documents, sector-specific strategies, and legislation.

2) The government has introduced the National Electricity Plan 2023, the National Green Hydrogen Mission, and the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022. These documents and laws are instrumental in molding the energy sector’s framework.

3) There is a positive development in climate jurisprudence in India. The Supreme Court in M.K. Ranjitsinh and Others vs Union of India recognized the people’s right to be free from the adverse effects of climate change under Articles 21 and 14 of the Indian Constitution

What are the issues with these initiatives?

1) Indian leaders haven’t committed to stopping coal use, and the policies are decided by top officials without considering what citizens want.

2) Climate Action Tracker Rating- The Climate Action Tracker, made by Climate Analytics, says India’s plans for 2030 are highly Insufficient in its policies and actions tracking.

Read more- Role of political parties in addressing climate issues

What should be the way forward?

1) Media and civil society should play important role in driving a narrative that places environmental sustainability at the heart of India’s development agenda.

2) The informed and growing middle class needs to demand a more proactive and dedicated approach from their leaders regarding climate change.

3) Politicians need to rethink their approach to connect electoral politics with climate policy, prioritizing the long-term benefits for both the environment and society over short-term economic gains.

4) States or regions facing the greatest vulnerability should create strategies to lower India’s projection to levels below those from before factories, aiming for a 2-degree reduction.

Question for practice

What is the reason behind the omission of climate change discourse from electoral agendas in India?