Climate Change Discourse and India’s Economic Survey

Source- This post on Climate Change Discourse and India’s Economic Survey has been created based on the article “Economic Survey criticism misses the forest for the trees” published in “LiveMint” on 13 August 2024.

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

Context– The article supports the Economic Survey’s balanced approach to climate change, highlighting India’s progress in reducing emissions and promoting sustainability. It also critiques global inequalities in climate discussions.

What are the arguments presented to defend the Economic Survey?

1) Balanced Approach to Climate Action -The survey shows how India balances development with climate action, highlights a 33% reduction in emission intensity from 2005 to 2019, and critiques developed countries for their overconsumption and high historical emissions.

2) Livestock Feed and Meat Production -Livestock use 6 billion tonnes of feed yearly, including one-third of global cereal production, with 86% inedible for humans. Research by Mottet et al. (2017) shows that producing 1 kg of meat requires 2.8-3.2 kg of human-edible feed. Ignoring this issue overlooks its significant environmental impact.

3) Land Consolidation for Agricultural Productivity– The survey sees land consolidation as essential for improving agricultural productivity in India, where most farms are very small. Small, fragmented farms hinder modern farming and efficient resource use. The critique’s claim that the survey overlooks livelihood needs is incorrect, as the survey links land consolidation to agricultural modernization, economic growth, and job creation.

4) Focus on Water Management- Critics argue the survey should emphasize water storage and efficiency more. However, the survey already addresses sustainable water management by combining traditional and modern methods and highlights the urgent need for efficient water use.

5) India’s Energy Preparedness- The critique says the survey shows India’s unpreparedness for relying on a few countries for future energy. This ignores the National Critical Minerals Mission, highlighted in the budget, which addresses the entire supply chain for critical minerals.

Read More- Critical Mineral Mission of India

6) Energy Transition Timing-The critique suggests the survey should justify starting energy transitions in 2024, given India’s climate actions in 2008 and 2016. However, since energy transitions usually span three to four generations, the exact starting point is less important.

7) Response to Extreme Weather Event-The critique claims that the survey ignores extreme weather events. However, it highlights the need for more adaptation efforts and investments.

Conclusion– The critique overlooks the chapter’s depth. The survey promotes dialogue, trust, and a culturally rooted, sustainable approach, emphasizing actions at all levels to balance development with climate goals.

Question for practice

What are the arguments presented to defend the Economic Survey?