How Sustainable is India’s path to Net-zero with 45 years left?

With 45 years remaining until India’s net-zero target of 2070, the journey ahead is challenging but not insurmountable.

Current Scenario

• Commitment to Net-Zero by 2070: India has pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. Policies to support this include:
  • Expanding renewable energy capacity (currently ~70 GW solar and 47 GW wind).
  • Electrification of energy use and investment in cleaner technologies.
  • Focus on low per-capita emissions, among the lowest globally.
• Per Capita Emissions Disparity: The richest 10% of India’s population emit 20 times more CO₂ than the poorest 10%.
  • Wealth disparity exacerbates climate inequity, with vulnerable groups facing severe impacts.
• Environmental Impact: Groundwater depletion, urban heat stress, biodiversity loss, and unsustainable land use are emerging threats due to unchecked consumption patterns.
• Power Demand Surge: India’s electrification ambitions could lead to a nine- to tenfold increase in energy demand by 2070, requiring over 5,500 GW of solar and 1,500 GW of wind capacity.

Key Hurdles

• Financial Challenges: Lack of adequate international financing, as developed nations have fallen short of their commitments. India needs substantial investments to fund renewable projects and climate adaptation.
• Resource Constraints: Limited land for renewable installations, forest cover preservation, and food security.
  • Water scarcity affects agricultural sustainability and energy production.
• Technological Dependence: Inadequate access to advanced technologies for energy storage and efficiency improvements.
  • Limited penetration of nuclear energy, which is crucial for balancing intermittent renewables.
• Lifestyle Aspirations and Urbanisation: Rising consumerism and lifestyle shifts are leading to higher energy and material demands.
  • Urban sprawl and vehicular pollution add to heat stress and carbon emissions.
• Policy and Implementation Gaps: Delays in demand-side management and decentralisation of energy production.
  • Weak enforcement of regulations for industrial and urban emissions.

What Can Be Done?

Demand-Side Measures

• Promote Energy Efficiency: Use energy-efficient appliances, passive design in construction, and better materials to reduce energy demand.
  • Encourage non-motorised and public transport for urban and intercity travel.
• Conscious Consumption: Implement “sufficiency consumption corridors” with limits on excess consumption to avoid unsustainable growth.
  • Promote local products and reduce dependence on long-haul freight.
• Dietary and Industrial Alternatives: Advocate for mindful dietary changes and alternative fuels in heavy industries.
  • Electrify industries while gradually reducing coal dependence.

Supply-Side Measures

• Decentralised Energy Production: Expand rooftop solar and solar pumps for agriculture to reduce reliance on central grids.
  • Diversify energy sources with nuclear power for low-carbon, baseload energy.
• Renewable Energy Expansion
  • Achieve realistic renewable energy targets while ensuring land-use trade-offs are minimised.
  • Use modelling to balance food security, biodiversity, and energy needs.
• Phase-Out Fossil Fuels: Gradual reduction of coal-based power plants, replacing them with renewable and nuclear sources.

Policy and Governance

• Climate Finance Mobilisation: Pressure developed countries to fulfill their financing commitments, ensuring that India can access affordable technology and funds.
  • Create a domestic green finance framework to attract private investment.
• Education and Awareness: Promote environmental literacy to change consumption patterns and adopt sustainable practices.
• Global Collaboration: Advocate for equitable climate action at international forums like COP-29.
  • Strengthen ties with nations leading in renewable energy innovation.

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