India’s Stance on Climate Change and Environmental
Conservation
Balancing Economic Growth with Sustainable Development
Prepared by Group 2 representing the Government of India
For the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
Environmental Conservation Conference (ECC)
August 20, 2024
Introduction
India, as a rapidly developing nation, recognizes the critical importance of addressing climate
change while balancing its economic growth and development needs. With over 1.4 billion
people, India is the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gasses, contributing approximately 7% to
global emissions (World Bank, 2023). However, India’s per capita emissions remain
significantly lower than those of developed nations, highlighting the need for equitable climate
responsibilities.
India has committed to ambitious climate goals, including achieving 50% of its energy needs
from renewable sources by 2030 and reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 (Government
of India, 2021). The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) serves as the
cornerstone of India’s climate strategy, focusing on solar energy, enhanced energy efficiency,
sustainable agriculture, and water conservation. Despite these efforts, India faces substantial
challenges, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and water scarcity, which
threaten its infrastructure, agriculture, and overall development.
India advocates for a balanced approach to climate action, emphasizing the principles of equity
and common but differentiated responsibilities. It calls for greater financial and technological
support from developed nations to help accelerate its transition to a low-carbon economy while
ensuring sustainable development and poverty alleviation.
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
Firstly, India has a high installed renewable energy (RE) capacity, with over 150,276 MW,
making us the fourth largest in the world, behind China, the USA, and Brazil. With ambitious
targets to reach 500 GW by 2030, our capacity continues to grow at an impressive pace.
Next, the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) offers a robust policy framework.
It includes missions such as Enhanced Energy Efficiency, the Water Mission, and Green India.
Under this framework, the National Solar Mission aims to achieve 500 GW by 2030, reflecting
our strong commitment to sustainable energy.
The government’s initiatives are also significant. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme
has generated ₹24,000 crores, contributing substantially to the economy. Moreover, the push
towards a green economy is expected to generate $1 trillion by 2030, highlighting our progress in
this sector.
Lastly, there’s been a substantial increase in awareness. A study by Yale found that 91% of
people believe global warming is real and happening. Additionally, NGOs like the Centre for
Science and Environment (CSE) and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) play crucial
roles in promoting sustainability and influencing policy.
Weakness
India’s heavy dependence on non-renewable energy sources, particularly fossil fuels, poses
significant challenges. Economically, this reliance can lead to reduced growth, heightened
income inequality, and increased poverty levels. The uncertainty in the prices of these resources,
along with fluctuating costs in energy transport and insurance, further exacerbates economic
instability. Health-wise, the consequences are dire.
The quality of water, food, and air is severely impacted, with rising temperatures contributing to
heat strokes, dehydration, respiratory illnesses, and water shortages. Additionally, the migration
of people due to these conditions can lead to heightened stress, loss of stability, property, and a
sense of community, compounding the social challenges faced by those affected.
Opportunities
India has significant opportunities in environmental conservation and climate change. In
sustainable agriculture, there’s potential to develop climate-resilient crops and farming practices,
enhancing food security and livelihoods. Investing in research and shifting to organic farming
can make agriculture more resilient and sustainable.
Expanding green technology investments, particularly in solar and wind power, can reduce fossil
fuel reliance. Developing energy storage technologies and expanding electric vehicle production
and infrastructure will support clean energy integration and transportation.
International collaboration is key for accessing advanced technologies and securing funding for
climate projects. Partnering with global investors and participating in global programs will
enhance India’s skills, knowledge, and position in the eco-friendly market, supporting the
transition to a green economy.
Threats
India faces significant climate challenges, including rising sea levels and coastal erosion,
threatening 3.5 million people and critical infrastructure along its extensive coastline. Water
scarcity is expected to affect 40% of the population by 2025 due to changing monsoon patterns
and glacier melt, straining agriculture and industry.
Extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, floods, and cyclones, are increasing in frequency
and intensity, endangering lives and economies. Food security is also at risk, with crop yields
predicted to decline by 10-20% by 2050, leading to higher food prices and reduced access to
nutritious food.
Economically, climate change could result in a 4-11% loss of GDP by 2050, with severe impacts
on agriculture, infrastructure, and tourism, contributing to widespread economic instability.
Position on Tech and Finance
India’s stance on technology and finance in the context of climate change is rooted in the
principles of equity, fairness, and shared but differentiated responsibilities. As a developing
country with a large population and a growing economy, India acknowledges the need for global
action on climate change but emphasizes that the pathways and responsibilities must differ
between developed and developing nations.
Phase-Out of Coal by 2050: India faces challenges in fully phasing out coal by 2050 due to its
reliance on coal for 70% of electricity (Ministry of Power, 2023). A gradual transition is
advocated, supported by renewable energy investments and carbon capture technologies. India
calls on developed countries to lead this effort and provide financial and technological support to
developing nations.
Emissions Reduction Pledges: India argues against holding developing countries to the same
emissions reduction standards as developed nations. With per capita emissions at 1.9 tons, much
lower than the global average of 4.8 tons (World Bank, 2023), India’s reduction efforts should be
contextualized by its lower emissions.
Just Transition for Coal Workers: India emphasizes the need for a just transition for coal
workers, advocating for alternative jobs in renewable energy and support through social safety
nets and reskilling programs, backed by international aid.
Burden Sharing: India insists that developed countries should take on a larger share of the
climate burden, including providing financial aid, technology transfer, and capacity-building for
developing nations, based on principles of equity and historical responsibility.
IPR and Climate Technologies: India supports a balanced approach to IPR, advocating for
mechanisms like compulsory licensing to ensure critical climate technologies are affordable and
accessible to developing countries, with minimized costs for implementation.
Promising Climate Technologies: India views solar and wind energy as key solutions to climate
change. It calls for increased international collaboration, investment, and technology-sharing,
exemplified by the International Solar Alliance (ISA). India also urges countries to invest 1.5-3%
of GDP in climate tech and renewable energy.
Accessibility and Affordability: India stresses that climate technologies must be accessible and
affordable for developing nations, requiring developed countries to reduce costs, provide
concessional financing, and facilitate technology transfer to ensure global equity in climate
action.
Position on Health and Biodiversity
Yes, conserving forests is critical to reducing climate change. Forests serve as large carbon sinks,
collecting carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and so helping to counteract greenhouse gas
emissions. They also play an important role in controlling global temperature, preserving
biodiversity, and sustaining ecosystems.
Several measures can be used to reduce the effects of climate change on biodiversity while still
protecting animals and plants:
1. Forest Conservation: Prevent deforestation and degradation by implementing and
enforcing rules to stop unlawful logging and land conversion. Promote reforestation and
afforestation efforts to enhance carbon sequestration and restore ecosystems by replanting
trees in deforested areas and establishing new forests.
2. Protected Areas and Habitat Connectivity: Designate more areas as protected reserves to
safeguard various ecosystems from exploitation and habitat damage. Establish biological
corridors that connect isolated protected areas, enabling species to move and adapt to
changing environmental conditions.
3. Sustainable Land Use: Promote sustainable land use practices like agroforestry, which
integrates trees and shrubs into agricultural systems to improve soil health, biodiversity,
and carbon storage. Encourage sustainable agriculture practices, such as reduced tillage,
organic farming, and crop rotation, to lower carbon emissions.
4. Climate Change Mitigation: Implement policies and procedures to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions across energy generation, transportation, and industry sectors. Accelerate the
transition to renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydropower to decrease
reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change.
Here are some approaches to conserve India's forests:
● Afforestation is the activity of planting more trees to increase forest cover and reduce the
effects of deforestation and environmental degradation. It can also help to preserve
natural trees by reducing demand, allowing them to grow and replenish themselves over
time.
● Regulated tree cutting comprises controlling tree cutting and assuring forest clearance for
agricultural and residential use.
● Forest fires can be contained by applying cutting-edge fire fighting methods.
● Chemical sprays, medications, and the cultivation of disease-resistant plants can all help
to preserve forests from disease.
● Government participation: The government can play an active role in forest conservation.
● Reduce human disturbance: This may be critical to the long-term survival of bears
outside authorized wildlife reserves.
● Reducing Demand: Encourage sustainable consumption patterns and reduce the demand
for products that contribute to deforestation.
Combining these approaches helps address both immediate threats and long-term conservation
goals.
Sustainable Forest Management Practices in India can include:
● Community Forestry: Empowers local villagers and NGOs to manage and benefit from
forest resources. Activities include tree planting, cash crop production, and processing
forest products for income. This approach has improved since the early 20th century
through efforts by state forest departments, NGOs, and communities
● Environmental Degradation Reduction: Focuses on minimizing logging impact,
providing safe wildlife habitats, and timing tree crop collection. Regenerative farming
practices enhance soil fertility, biodiversity, water retention, and reduce erosion, runoff,
and pesticide use.
● Biodiversity Conservation: A national priority that supports millions of livelihoods by
providing raw materials and mitigating climate change. Protecting forests and
biodiversity also helps reduce disease risk. Cultural practices like sacred groves and
community forests contribute to forest conservation.
● Awareness and Other Practices: Increasing awareness of climate issues can improve
forest management and urban green spaces. Other practices include reducing GHG
emissions in forest operations, banning genetically modified trees, and promoting forest
community health.
● Policy Framework: India’s sustainable forest management is supported by key policies
like the Natural Forest Policy (1988), National Conservation Strategy (1992), and
National Environment Policy (2006). These provide a strong foundation for ongoing
forest protection efforts.
Policy on Society & Natural Disasters
India, a developing nation, faces significant challenges due to climate change, requiring a multi-
faceted approach. This involves financial support, capacity building, community engagement,
policy reform, and research enhancement.
● Financial and Technical Support - Developed countries and international bodies should
increase financial aid for India, focusing on climate adaptation, disaster recovery, and
resilience. Strengthening local institutions through education and training can improve
India’s capacity to manage climate-related threats.
● Community-Based Adaptation -Empowering local communities to design and implement
tailored adaptation projects is crucial. These initiatives, like water management and
sustainable agriculture, should involve participatory planning to ensure relevance and
success.
● Policy Integration and Governance -Climate risks need to be integrated into India’s
development plans, including building codes and zoning laws. Active participation in
international climate agreements can help align national policies with global goals.
● Data and Research Enhancement : Improving data collection on climate impacts and
sharing global research is vital. Public education on sustainable practices should be
context-specific. Collaboration among governments, NGOs, and businesses is essential,
with developed nations obligated under frameworks like the UNFCCC and the Paris
Agreement to support India.
● Paris Agreement and Common Responsibilities : The Paris Agreement mandates
financial support for developing nations, while the principle of Common But
Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) emphasizes the need for developed countries to
lead due to their historical emissions.
● Moral Imperatives : Developed nations have a moral duty to assist those most affected by
climate change, especially since many developing countries contribute minimally to
global emissions but face severe impacts. Protecting vulnerable populations in
developing countries is a moral obligation, crucial for global stability and sustainable
development.
● India’s Specific Strategies : India should develop region-specific assessments of climate
impacts and establish a national climate fund supported by government allocations, state
contributions, and international aid. Engaging the private sector and philanthropic
organizations in funding climate resilience is also key. Strengthening governance at
national and state levels, with clear roles and empowered local governance, is critical for
effective climate adaptation.
● Legal and Moral Obligations for Climate Refugees : International law and treaties like
the 1951 Refugees Convention and the UNFCCC emphasize the protection of climate
refugees. Countries have a moral duty to protect one another in times of crisis, adhering
to humanitarian principles.
● Rebuilding Lives for Climate Refugees : India should establish policies for the relocation
and integration of climate refugees, with legal protections and local adaptation strategies
to reduce displacement. Supporting host communities and promoting international
cooperation for resource sharing and planning is essential.
By implementing these strategies, India can better address the loss and damage caused by
climate change, ensuring support for its most vulnerable populations.
Solutions
India faces complex challenges in addressing climate change, but there are comprehensive
solutions that can be implemented to integrate biodiversity, technology, finance, and societal
concerns effectively:
● Protecting Forests and Biodiversity: Enhance afforestation and reforestation programs,
focusing on community-led forest management for sustainability. Creating climate-
resilient wildlife corridors and promoting agroforestry will help support both biodiversity
and local economies.
● Transitioning from Coal to Renewable Energy: Move towards phasing out coal by 2050,
with support from international financial aid and technology transfer. Developed
countries, given their historical emissions, should lead in emissions reductions and
provide climate finance to developing nations. Implement targeted reskilling programs
and invest in renewable energy sectors in coal-dependent regions to ensure a just
transition for coal workers.
● Balancing Intellectual Property and Technology Access: Ensure critical climate
technologies are accessible and affordable through mechanisms like patent pooling,
facilitating technology transfer to developing countries.
● Addressing Loss and Damage: Develop a global compensation framework where
developed nations provide compensation to developing countries based on historical
emissions, reflecting common but differentiated responsibilities. Advocate for
international recognition of climate refugees, with shared global responsibility for
providing refuge and support for rebuilding lives.
These solutions not only address India’s national priorities but also align with global
responsibilities, promoting sustainable development while tackling the urgent challenges of
climate change.