Under the vision of ‘Seva and Sushasan,’ India emerges as a global climate leader, achieving COP21 targets early, advancing the LiFE movement, promoting green hydrogen, and maintaining low per capita emissions, showing that economic growth and sustainability can coexist.
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Picture Courtesy: NEWSONAIR
Guided by the principles of Seva (public service) and Sushasan (good governance), the Government of India has positioned the country as a global leader in climate action.
Early Achievement of Targets: At COP21 (2015), India pledged 40% non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030; it achieved this in 2021 (nine years ahead) and scaled to 50% by June 2025 (five years ahead), with renewable capacity crossed 250 GW by August 2025.
Low Emissions Footprint: Despite housing 17% of the global population, India's emissions are under 4%, emphasizing per capita equity (India's per capita emissions: 2 tons vs global average 4.7 tons).
Holistic Approach: Initiatives like the LiFE movement promote global behavioral change, while domestic efforts in afforestation (e.g., Green India Mission) and green mobility (e.g., FAME scheme) showcase integrated action.
India's commitments are outlined in its updated NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions)(2022) and Panchamrit pledges at COP26 (2021), focusing on mitigation, adaptation, and finance.
Key Commitments:
Major Achievements:
As of July 2025, India's cumulative solar power capacity stood at 119.02 GW, which includes 90.09 GW from ground-mounted solar plants, 19.88 GW from grid‑connected rooftop systems, 3.06 GW from hybrid projects, and 5.09 GW from off‑grid solar installations.
As per the India State of Forest Report (ISFR)-2023, forest and tree cover is 25.17% of its geographical area (GA), with forest cover at 21.76% and tree cover at 3.41%.
FY 2024–25, Electric two-wheeler (e-2W) sales hit 11.49 lakh units.
India has transitioned from a "voice of the Global South" to a diplomatic architect, advocating equity and multilateralism.
Leadership Initiatives: Co-founded International Solar Alliance (120+ members) for solar affordability; launched Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
Key Interventions: At COP29, India pushed for pre-2030 ambition, tech transfer, and rejected the $300 billion finance goal as "unjust" (demanding $1 trillion+ grants).
Advocacy for Equity: Emphasizes "common but differentiated responsibilities" (CBDR); highlighted at Baku for industrial decarbonization and women-led action.
Bilateral Ties: Partnerships like US-India Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030; green corridors with EU.
Vulnerability to Impacts: 71% experienced severe heatwaves (2025 Yale survey); water scarcity affects 600 million; economic losses $87 billion annually from disasters.
Energy Transition Barriers: Coal dependence, more than 85% oil Import; renewable shift results job losses in fossil sectors; challenges in grid integration.
Socio-Economic Inequities: Urban-rural disparities and inadequate adaptation funding exacerbate impacts on vulnerable populations.
Policy and Social Issues: Fossil subsidies; uneven state-level implementation; public awareness gaps.
Implementation Challenges: Weak coordination among states, inconsistent monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems, and limited public awareness hinder effective policy execution.
Global Diplomacy Hurdles: Resistance from developed nations to provide adequate finance and technology under Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) principles limits India’s ability to scale up action.
Enhance Climate Resilience
Invest in early-warning systems and climate-smart infrastructure to mitigate impacts of heatwaves, floods, and erratic monsoons, especially in vulnerable Himalayan and coastal regions.
Accelerate Energy Transition:
Reduce coal dependency by scaling up renewable capacity through incentives for solar, wind, and green hydrogen. Promote domestic R&D and public-private partnerships to lower costs of clean technologies.
Bridge Climate Finance Gaps
Increase domestic climate funding, leveraging green bonds and private investments. Advocate for $1 trillion annual global climate finance at upcoming COP30.
Address Socio-Economic Inequities
Prioritize adaptation funding for marginalized and rural communities to prevent poverty due to climate impacts. Support women-led climate initiatives and equitable resource allocation to reduce urban-rural disparities.
Strengthen Policy Implementation
Enhance state-level coordination to ensure transparent tracking of NDC progress. Expand the LiFE movement to raise public awareness, promoting sustainable practices like energy-efficient appliances and waste reduction.
Lead Global Diplomacy
Strengthen South-South cooperation (e.g., Brazil-India Climate Dialogue) to share best practices and build collective resilience. Push for technology transfer and increased commitments from developed nations at UNFCCC forums
By implementing these measures, India can overcome its climate challenges, strengthen its global leadership, and provide a scalable model for the Global South, aligning sustainable development with net-zero ambitions by 2070.
Source: NEWSONAIR
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Analyze the role of solar initiatives in India’s energy transition and their contribution to reducing carbon emissions. 150 words |
It is a global movement launched by India to encourage a 'pro-planet' lifestyle through simple, sustainable daily choices.
A treaty-based intergovernmental organization launched by India and France to promote solar energy.
India has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.
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