The 2025 Global Conference on Climate and Health held in Brazil brought together delegates from 90 countries to develop the Belém Health Action Plan. This plan will guide global climate and health policies and is scheduled for launch at COP30 in November 2025. India’s absence from the conference was notable given its unique developmental policies that offer valuable insights for implementing integrated climate-health strategies worldwide.
India’s Integrated Welfare Programmes
India’s flagship schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN), Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, MNREGA, and Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) provide strong examples of non-health policies generating health and climate co-benefits. PM POSHAN improves child nutrition by promoting millets and traditional grains, supporting climate-resilient food systems. Swachh Bharat enhances sanitation, public health, and environmental sustainability. MNREGA’s environmental works restore ecosystems and boost rural livelihoods. PMUY reduces household air pollution and carbon emissions by promoting clean cooking fuel. None were designed as climate policies, yet all contribute to health and environmental goals.
Key Success Factors in India’s Approach
Strong political leadership is crucial. Direct involvement by the Prime Minister ensured inter-ministerial coordination in PMUY and Swachh Bharat. Framing climate action as a health emergency attracts wider government and public support. Community engagement anchors policies culturally and socially, as seen in Swachh Bharat’s connection to Mahatma Gandhi’s vision and PM POSHAN’s reliance on school committees. Existing institutions such as Accredited Social Health Activists and local governance bodies are leveraged rather than creating new parallel structures, enhancing policy reach and impact.
Challenges in Intersectoral Policy Implementation
Siloed administrative systems pose barriers to integrated outcomes. For example, high LPG refill costs under PMUY persist due to conflicting business interests. Social and cultural obstacles limit equitable access and utilisation without sustained support. These issues show the need for institutional mechanisms that focus on measuring outcomes rather than just outputs. Structural inequities must be addressed for climate-health policies to succeed.
Framework for Health-Anchored Climate Governance
India’s experience suggests a three-pillar framework – 1. Strategic prioritisation by political leaders framing climate policies as immediate health issues, similar to PMUY’s focus on women’s empowerment. 2. Procedural integration across departments by embedding health impact assessments in all climate-related policies, akin to mandatory environmental clearances. 3. Participatory implementation leveraging health as a mobilisation tool, enabling local health workers and communities to advocate for climate action based on direct health benefits.
Implications for Global Climate and Health Policy
India’s model offers a pathway for countries, especially in the Global South, to develop synergistic policies addressing climate and health together. A whole-of-society, intersectoral approach can multiply impact and reduce costs. The global community can learn from India’s institutional wisdom to advance the Belém Health Action Plan and implement effective climate-health governance.
Questions for UPSC:
- Taking example of India’s welfare programmes, discuss how non-health policies can generate health co-benefits while addressing climate change.
- Examine the role of political leadership and community engagement in implementing intersectoral climate and health policies with suitable examples.
- Analyse the challenges posed by siloed administrative systems in delivering integrated climate and health outcomes. How can institutional mechanisms overcome these barriers?
- Discuss in the light of India’s experience how embedding health impact assessments in climate policies can improve governance and policy effectiveness.
