India is facing an urgent climate crisis that demands immediate attention. The year 2024 brought severe weather events that brought into light the need for sustainable development and climate resilience. As the country enters the financial year 2024-25, the government must prioritise climate considerations in its budgetary planning.
Impact of Extreme Weather Events
In 2024, India experienced intense heatwaves and devastating floods. These events have made public health and economic stability increasingly precarious. The rising temperatures have made heatwaves 30 times more likely. The country has now surpassed China to become the most populous nation, escalating resource demands and environmental strain.
Global Climate Challenges
Globally, the burden of climate change is intensifying. The Global Risks Report indicates that extreme weather poses threat to economies and ecosystems. Rising sea levels and erratic rainfall patterns are common issues worldwide. India must not fall behind in its climate commitments.
Budgetary Considerations for Climate Action
The upcoming Budget 2025 must address the climate crisis. Experts stress the importance of incorporating climate considerations into various sectors. Budget allocations for renewable energy, industrial decarbonisation, and green technology research and development are essential for India’s future.
Investing in Sustainable Development
The government’s focus should extend beyond immediate economic growth. Sustainable development must be a priority. The 2024-25 budget included proposals for energy transition and flood management. However, critics argue that it lacked detailed implementation strategies and sufficient funding for ambitious climate initiatives.
Renewable Energy Initiatives
India’s renewable energy sector is at a critical juncture. Initiatives like the Muft Bijli Yojana have driven solar energy adoption. Over 600,000 solar installations occurred within nine months. This growth showcases the increasing demand for clean energy solutions.
Public-Private Partnerships and Workforce Development
Public-private partnerships will be vital in developing a skilled workforce for renewable energy. As India aims for 500GW of renewable energy by 2030, training the next generation of skilled workers is crucial. This workforce will support the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure and technology.
International Cooperation and Funding
International collaboration and funding are essential for achieving climate goals. With the US withdrawing from the Paris Climate Accords, India is poised to play a central role in global climate initiatives. Strengthening early warning systems and disaster preparedness will minimise economic losses and save lives.
Long-term Economic Stability
Ignoring the climate crisis in Budget 2025 could jeopardise India’s environmental integrity and economic stability. Prioritising climate action is essential for ensuring a resilient future for generations to come.
Questions for UPSC:
- Examine the role of climate change in shaping India’s economic policies in recent years.
- Discuss the significance of renewable energy initiatives in achieving India’s net-zero emissions target by 2070.
- With suitable examples, discuss the impact of extreme weather events on public health and infrastructure in India.
- Critically discuss the importance of international cooperation in addressing global climate change challenges.
Answer Hints:
1. Examine the role of climate change in shaping India’s economic policies in recent years.
- Climate change has become a key factor in budget planning, with a push for sustainable development.
- Severe weather events in 2024 brought into light vulnerabilities in public health and economic stability.
- Government initiatives now prioritize renewable energy and climate resilience in various sectors.
- India’s growing population increases resource demands, necessitating eco-friendly policies.
- Global competition in green economy forces India to accelerate climate commitments.
2. Discuss the significance of renewable energy initiatives in achieving India’s net-zero emissions target by 2070.
- Renewable energy is crucial for reducing carbon emissions and achieving sustainability goals.
- Programs like Muft Bijli Yojana have spurred solar energy adoption across the country.
- India aims for 500GW of renewable energy by 2030, necessitating robust infrastructure and workforce.
- Investments in clean energy are vital for economic growth and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
- International partnerships can enhance technology transfer and funding for renewable projects.
3. With suitable examples, discuss the impact of extreme weather events on public health and infrastructure in India.
- Heatwaves in 2024 increased health risks, making heat-related illnesses more common.
- Flooding disrupted transportation and damaged infrastructure, leading to economic losses.
- Wildfires and cyclones have destroyed homes, impacting livelihoods and public safety.
- Healthcare systems face strain during extreme weather, affecting emergency response capabilities.
- Investments in resilient infrastructure and disaster preparedness are essential to mitigate these impacts.
4. Critically discuss the importance of international cooperation in addressing global climate change challenges.
- Climate change is a global issue requiring collaborative solutions and shared resources.
- International agreements, like the Paris Climate Accords, aim to unify efforts against climate threats.
- Cooperation can facilitate technology transfer and funding for developing nations like India.
- Global partnerships enhance knowledge sharing and best practices for climate resilience.
- Without collective action, individual nations may struggle to meet their climate commitments effectively.
