Balancing Growth and Sustainability: The Evolution of India’s Climate Policy

Evolution of India’s Climate Policy

1. Early Phase (Pre-2000s)
   • Focus on Economic Development: Initially, India's policies prioritized economic growth and poverty alleviation, with limited focus on climate change.
   • Environmental Concerns: Environmental issues were addressed mainly through regulations such as the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, but climate change was not a primary focus.
2. Initial Engagement (2000-2007)
   • Kyoto Protocol: India ratified the Kyoto Protocol in 2002, which marked its first major engagement with international climate policy, though as a developing country, it was not required to reduce emissions.
   • Formation of Institutions: Establishment of the Ministry of Environment and Forests (now Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, MoEFCC) to address environmental issues, including climate change.
3. Strategic Planning (2008-2015)
   • National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): Launched in 2008, NAPCC outlined eight national missions, including the National Solar Mission and the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency, focusing on both adaptation and mitigation.
   • International Commitments: Active participation in COP meetings, emphasizing the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.
4. Paris Agreement and Beyond (2015-Present)
   • Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): India submitted its NDCs in 2015, committing to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33-35% by 2030 from 2005 levels, increase the share of non-fossil-based power capacity to 40%, and create an additional carbon sink of 2.5-3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through forest and tree cover.
   • Renewable Energy Targets: Ambitious targets to install 175 GW of renewable energy by 2022, later increased to 450 GW by 2030.
   • Climate Finance and Technology: Emphasis on international climate finance and technology transfer to achieve these goals.

Key Determinants of India’s Climate Policy

1. Economic Development and Poverty Alleviation: Balancing the need for rapid economic growth and lifting millions out of poverty with sustainable development and environmental conservation.
2. Energy Security: Reducing dependency on fossil fuels through diversification into renewable energy sources.
3. Environmental Sustainability: Addressing air pollution, water scarcity, and land degradation alongside climate change.
4. International Diplomacy: Navigating global climate negotiations to ensure equity and justice, emphasizing historical responsibilities and differentiated capabilities.
5. Domestic Political Will: Central and state governments' policies and actions, influenced by public awareness and civil society activism.
6. Technological Advancements: Adoption of new technologies in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable agriculture.

Vision for the Future

1. Net Zero Target: Achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2070, as announced at COP26 in Glasgow.
2. Sustainable Development: Integrating climate action with broader sustainable development goals, ensuring inclusive growth.
3. Enhanced Renewable Energy Capacity: Expanding renewable energy infrastructure, with significant investments in solar, wind, and bioenergy.
4. Climate Resilience: Strengthening adaptive capacity across sectors, particularly in agriculture, water resources, and coastal areas.
5. Green Finance: Mobilizing domestic and international finance for climate projects, fostering public-private partnerships.
6. Innovative Technologies: Promoting research and development in clean energy technologies, electric mobility, and sustainable agriculture practices.

India’s climate policy trajectory reflects a balance between developmental imperatives and environmental sustainability, aiming to position the country as a leader in global climate action while addressing its unique socio-economic challenges.