India’s Evolving Climate Strategy and Economic Growth

India’s approach to the climate crisis has undergone a notable transformation in recent times. The nation is increasingly prioritising adaptation over mitigation in its climate policies. This shift reflects a broader understanding of the challenges faced by developing countries. As global emissions continue to rise, India argues that rapid economic growth is essential for combating climate change. IASPOINT outlines the key aspects of India’s evolving climate strategy.

Shift in Climate Policy Focus

India’s recent stance marks a departure from the international climate regime’s emphasis on specific temperature targets. The country argues that developing nations must focus on adaptation strategies. This involves building resilience against climate impacts rather than solely reducing emissions. By prioritising adaptation, India aims to utilise its limited resources more effectively.

Economic Growth as Climate Defence

India posits that economic growth serves as the best defence against climate change. The Economic Survey for 2024-25 suggests achieving developed country parameters by 2047 before pursuing net-zero emissions by 2070. This approach mirrors China’s prioritisation of industrialisation and economic expansion, which has allowed it to strengthen its capabilities for future decarbonisation.

Global Emissions and Mitigation Challenges

Despite global commitments, emissions continue to rise, undermining mitigation efforts. India questions the incentive to allocate resources for mitigation when substantial benefits require collective global action. The immediate benefits of adaptation offer a more pragmatic approach for developing countries grappling with climate impacts.

International Climate Regime Frustrations

India’s recalibrated position arises amid diminishing international focus on climate action. Recent geopolitical conflicts and technology wars have diverted attention from climate issues. Developing countries, including India, express frustration over inadequate financial support and unmet emission reduction commitments from developed nations.

Decarbonisation and Energy Transition

While advocating for economic growth, India acknowledges the need for low-carbon pathways. The country aims to pursue a clean energy transition that aligns with its development goals. However, India insists that the pace and nature of this transition should be determined by its own priorities rather than external pressures.

Indigenous Energy Solutions

India’s energy strategy includes a push for indigenous technologies, such as small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs). The slow expansion of nuclear energy presents challenges, but SMRs offer a new opportunity. In addition to nuclear power, India must aggressively pursue solar, wind, and hydrogen energy sources to meet its climate objectives.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the role of economic growth in India’s climate strategy. How does it compare with other developing nations?
2. Discuss the challenges faced by India in achieving its climate objectives. What role do international commitments play?
3. Analyse the significance of indigenous energy technologies in India’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the impact of global emissions on developing countries’ climate policies.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the role of economic growth in India’s climate strategy. How does it compare with other developing nations?

1. India prioritizes rapid economic growth as a defense against climate change, emphasizing adaptation over mitigation.
2. The Economic Survey for 2024-25 advocates achieving developed country parameters by 2047 before pursuing net-zero emissions.
3. China’s model of prioritizing industrialization has allowed it to strengthen capabilities for future decarbonization.
4. Other developing nations may face similar dilemmas but may not have the same level of economic growth or industrial capacity.
5. India’s approach marks a unique trajectory where economic development and environmental sustainability are interconnected.

2. Discuss the challenges faced by India in achieving its climate objectives. What role do international commitments play?

1. Global emissions continue to rise, undermining mitigation efforts and reducing incentives for India to allocate resources for mitigation.
2. Developed countries have not met their emission reduction commitments, leading to frustration among developing nations.
3. The international climate regime’s financial support has been inadequate, eroding trust in global climate agreements.
4. Geopolitical conflicts and technology wars have diverted attention from climate issues, impacting international cooperation.
5. India’s climate strategy must navigate these challenges while balancing economic growth and environmental responsibilities.

3. Analyse the significance of indigenous energy technologies in India’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

1. Indigenous technologies, like small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), are critical for enhancing India’s energy independence.
2. SMRs present a fresh opportunity for nuclear energy expansion, which has been slow due to various challenges.
3. A diversified energy portfolio, including solar, wind, and hydrogen, is essential for a sustainable energy future.
4. Developing local capabilities in clean energy technologies reduces dependence on foreign supply chains.
5. Indigenous energy solutions align with India’s broader goals of economic growth and climate resilience.

4. With suitable examples, discuss the impact of global emissions on developing countries’ climate policies.

1. Rising global emissions diminish the effectiveness of individual countries’ mitigation efforts, as benefits require collective action.
2. India’s focus on adaptation reflects the immediate need to address climate impacts rather than long-term emission reductions.
3. Countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan face severe climate impacts, influencing their climate policies towards adaptation strategies.
4. The lack of progress in emission reductions by developed nations leads to skepticism about international climate commitments.
5. Developing countries are compelled to prioritize economic growth, often at the expense of aggressive climate action, due to global emission trends.