Climate Change and India: Policies, Impacts, and Global Contributions

Introduction

Climate change is one of the most pressing global challenges of the 21st century, with far-reaching consequences for economies, ecosystems, and human life. For India, climate change poses significant challenges due to its diverse geography, high population, and dependence on climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture. For UPSC aspirants, understanding India’s climate change policies, challenges, and contributions is essential for Prelims, Mains, and Essay papers.

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What is Climate Change?

Climate change refers to long-term alterations in temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and other elements of the Earth’s climate system, primarily due to human activities like deforestation, industrialization, and greenhouse gas emissions.

Key Indicators of Climate Change

1. Rising Temperatures: Global warming due to increased greenhouse gas concentrations.
2. Melting Glaciers and Ice Caps: Leading to rising sea levels.
3. Extreme Weather Events: Increased frequency of floods, droughts, and cyclones.
4. Ocean Acidification: Due to higher carbon dioxide absorption.

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1. Agriculture and Food Security

• Unpredictable monsoons and increased droughts affect crop yields.
• Example: Decline in wheat and rice productivity due to rising temperatures.

2. Water Resources

• Melting glaciers and erratic rainfall patterns disrupt water availability.
• Example: Ganga and Brahmaputra river systems face seasonal variations.

3. Biodiversity and Ecosystems

• Habitat destruction due to rising temperatures and deforestation.
• Example: Coral bleaching in the Lakshadweep and Andaman regions.

4. Coastal Areas

• Rising sea levels threaten India’s 7,500 km coastline, impacting cities like Mumbai and Chennai.
• Example: Increased flooding during high tides and cyclones.

5. Public Health

• Increased vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue due to warmer temperatures.
• Example: Rising cases of heat strokes in northern India during summers.

6. Economic Impact

• Loss of GDP due to climate-related disasters like cyclones, droughts, and floods.
• Example: Cyclone Amphan in 2020 caused damages worth ₹1 lakh crore.

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1. National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)

Launched in 2008, it includes eight national missions to address climate change:

1. National Solar Mission: Targeting 100 GW of solar energy by 2022 (achieved in 2023).
2. National Water Mission: Promoting water conservation.
3. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture: Promoting climate-resilient agriculture.
4. National Mission for a Green India: Enhancing forest and tree cover.
5. National Mission on Enhanced Energy Efficiency: Reducing energy intensity in industries.
6. National Mission on Sustainable Habitat: Promoting waste management and urban planning.
7. National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change: Improving research and awareness.
8. National Mission on Himalayan Ecosystems: Protecting fragile ecosystems.

2. State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs)

States have developed region-specific action plans aligned with NAPCC goals.

3. Renewable Energy Initiatives

• National Solar Energy Programme: Expanded renewable energy capacity to 175 GW by 2022.
• National Hydrogen Mission: Focused on green hydrogen production.

4. National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC)

Supports climate-resilient projects in agriculture and other sectors.

5. Electric Mobility Mission

Encourages the adoption of electric vehicles through incentives under the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme.

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1. Paris Agreement (2015)

India committed to:

• Reducing the emissions intensity of GDP by 33-35% by 2030 (compared to 2005 levels).
• Achieving 40% of installed power capacity from renewable sources by 2030.

2. International Solar Alliance (ISA)

• India co-founded the ISA to promote solar energy globally.
• Targets: Mobilizing $1 trillion in investments by 2030.

3. Leadership in COP Conferences

• India actively participates in UNFCCC meetings, advocating for equity and “common but differentiated responsibilities.”

4. Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment)

• Launched by India to promote sustainable living practices globally.

5. Forest and Carbon Sequestration

• Increased forest cover to serve as carbon sinks, reducing overall emissions.

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1. Financial Constraints

• High costs of transitioning to renewable energy and implementing adaptation measures.

2. Dependence on Fossil Fuels

• Coal accounts for over 50% of India’s energy mix, making rapid transition challenging.

3. Climate Justice

• Balancing development needs with environmental responsibilities.

4. Lack of Public Awareness

• Limited understanding of climate change impacts at grassroots levels.

5. Vulnerability to Disasters

• High population density and poverty exacerbate disaster impacts.

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1. Renewable Energy Leadership

• With abundant solar and wind resources, India can emerge as a global leader in green energy.

2. Sustainable Urbanization

• Smart cities and sustainable housing can reduce emissions in urban areas.

3. Green Technology

• Developing technologies like carbon capture and storage (CCS) can help mitigate emissions.

4. International Collaboration

• Leveraging partnerships through organizations like the ISA and G20 Climate Group.

5. Strengthening Climate Resilience

• Enhancing disaster management capabilities through early warning systems and resilient infrastructure.

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Relevance of Climate Change for UPSC

1. Prelims

• Questions on India’s climate policies, renewable energy targets, and international agreements.
• Example:
  What is the target year for India’s net-zero emissions?
  • Answer: 2070.

2. Mains

• Analytical questions on climate challenges, policies, and their socio-economic impact.
• Example:
  “Discuss India’s approach to achieving its climate goals under the Paris Agreement. Highlight the challenges in achieving these targets.”

3. Essay Paper

• Topics like “Climate Change: A Global Challenge” and “Balancing Development and Environment”.

4. Interview

• Questions on India’s climate leadership and the role of renewable energy in economic growth.

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Case Studies on Climate Change in India

1. Gujarat’s Solar Policy

• Gujarat’s solar park model has become a global example of renewable energy deployment.

2. Kerala Floods (2018)

• Highlighted the role of climate-induced extreme rainfall events in increasing disaster vulnerability.

3. Cyclone Fani (2019)

• Odisha’s efficient disaster management showcased effective adaptation strategies.

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Sample Practice Questions

Prelims

Which of the following is a mission under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)?

1. National Water Mission
2. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture
3. National Health Mission

Answer: 1 and 2 only.

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Mains

“Critically analyze India’s renewable energy policies in the context of its commitment to combating climate change.”

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Conclusion

India’s approach to climate change reflects its dual commitment to global leadership in climate action and the need for sustainable development. While challenges like financial constraints and energy dependency persist, opportunities in renewable energy and international collaboration offer a path forward. For UPSC aspirants, climate change provides a multidimensional topic encompassing governance, international relations, and environmental ethics.

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