How India’s new government should scale up climate action

Source: The post how India’s new government should scale up climate action has been created, based on the article “The shape of a five-year climate agenda for India” published in “The Hindu” on 5th July 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- ecology, and environment

Context: The article discusses how India’s new government should scale up climate action, affecting all sectors. It highlights India’s progress in climate leadership and outlines a plan for the next five years to enhance global leadership, sectoral emission reduction, and state-level climate action.

For detailed information on Climate Change read this article here

How is India shaping narratives and institutions for global climate action?

1. Establishing Global Institutions: India founded the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and the Global Biofuels Alliance, influencing global cooperation on renewable energy and infrastructure resilience.
2. Setting Ambitious Goals: India announced a net-zero target by 2070, signaling a commitment to significant emission reductions rather than just reducing emission intensity.
3. Leading by Example: During its G-20 presidency, India spearheaded the Green Development Pact, promoting sustainable economic pathways globally.
4. Innovative Policies: India has initiated a domestic emissions carbon trading scheme, anticipated to function for 30-40 years, illustrating a long-term strategy for reducing greenhouse gases through market mechanisms.

What should be India’s plan to demonstrate that economic development can be sustainable?

1. Host Major Climate Summits: India should aim to host significant international climate events, like the United Nations Conference of Parties in 2028. This would build on its successful G-20 presidency and position India as a climate leader.
2. Set Sectoral Emission Targets: Beyond the power sector, India should establish clear emission reduction goals for other sectors. For example, it should target zero-carbon two- and four-wheelers, promoting clean energy jobs and rural mobility.
3. Promote State-Level Climate Action: India should support states in developing their net-zero plans. Collaboration with bodies like the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW) is crucial, as seen with Tamil Nadu and Bihar’s plans.
4. Enhance Centre-State Coordination: Creating a Centre-State coordination group and incentivizing state-level actions through the Sixteenth Finance Commission can ensure better alignment without compromising state autonomy.
5. Strengthen Scientific Integration: India should integrate scientific modeling in policymaking and establish a unified data measurement, reporting, and verification system at the state level. This would improve the effectiveness of climate actions.

Question for practice:

Discuss how India’s initiatives in founding global institutions and setting ambitious climate goals contribute to its role as a leader in global climate action.