10-February -2025-Special-Article

INDIA’S SHIFT TOWARDS CLIMATE ADAPTATION OVER MITIGATION

India has recently changed its climate strategy by emphasizing adaptation over emission reduction (mitigation). This shift is driven by global inaction on climate commitments, weak financial support at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties 29 (COP29), and the likely delay in submitting the 2035 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Why is India Focusing on Adaptation Over Mitigation?

Global Climate Commitments Falling Short

• The world is not on track to meet emission reduction targets for 2030 and 2035.
• Developed nations have failed to provide adequate climate finance, with COP29 securing only USD 300 billion annually from 2035 instead of the USD 1 trillion demanded by developing nations.
• The US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement in 2025 has further weakened global efforts.
• India aims for a low-carbon transition at its own pace, prioritizing domestic needs over externally imposed targets.

Immediate and Local Benefits

• Unlike mitigation, which depends on global cooperation, adaptation measures such as climate-resilient infrastructure offer direct and immediate benefits.
• Economic growth strengthens resilience, making prosperity a key factor in addressing climate change.

Economic Growth as a Priority

• The Economic Survey 2024-25 suggests that India should focus on becoming a developed nation by 2047 before transitioning fully to clean energy.
• India believes rapid industrialization, like China’s model, will create financial capacity for future decarbonization.

Flexibility in Energy Transition

• India prefers autonomy in deciding its transition pace rather than adhering to rigid external targets.
• While reducing emissions remains a goal, economic development cannot be compromised by sudden restrictions on fossil fuels.
• A bottom-up approach focusing on local initiatives is preferred over top-down mandates.

 

Term	Definition	Examples of Actions
Mitigation	Actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit climate change impacts.	Expanding renewable energy, carbon capture, protecting forests, promoting sustainable behavior.
Adaptation	Adjusting to climate impacts to reduce harm or take advantage of opportunities.	Building coastal defenses, modifying crops, protecting infrastructure, reducing food waste.
Resilience	Enhancing the ability to prepare for and respond to climate-related risks.	Early warning systems, urban green spaces for flood control, afforestation to reduce heat.

How is India Balancing Growth and Clean Energy Transition?

Low-Carbon Development

• India avoids strict coal phase-out commitments but continues expanding renewable energy.
• On track to meet its 2030 NDC targets:

• 50% of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030, already at 8% as of November 2024.
• Aims to add 5-3 billion tonnes of carbon sinks through forest expansion.
• Forest Survey of India (2024) estimates an increase from 14 billion tonnes (2005) to 30.43 billion tonnes (2023), likely surpassing targets by 2030.
• Achieved a 33% reduction in GDP emission intensity by 2019, targeting 45% by 2030.

• Installed renewable energy mix: Solar (20.6%), Wind (10.5%), Hydro (10.3%), Nuclear (1.8%).

Promoting Domestic Clean Energy

• National Manufacturing Mission (2025-26 Budget) supports domestic production of solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage to reduce import dependency.
• Policies promote self-reliance in clean technology.

Advancing Nuclear Energy

• India is developing Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to accelerate nuclear power adoption and improve energy security.

Delay in Submitting 2035 NDCs

• India has postponed its 2035 climate commitments to negotiate better financial terms at COP30 in Brazil.
• Holding back allows flexibility to adjust targets based on global finance developments and domestic priorities.

India’s Role in Global Climate Governance

India has played an increasing role in shaping global climate policies through:

• Leading initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
• Advocating for Climate Justice – emphasizing that developed nations must provide finance and technology to support developing countries.
• Strengthening South-South Cooperation by sharing best practices with other developing nations.

India’s Key Climate Adaptation Initiatives

National Adaptation Plan (NAP)

• Developed by Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• Aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and focuses on resilience in agriculture, water management, and urban planning.

Agricultural Adaptation

Rising heat and water stress threaten food security; key measures include:

• Climate-resilient crop varieties.
• Soil health improvements.
• Efficient groundwater conservation.

Urban Climate Resilience

• National Mission on Sustainable Habitat (NMSH) supports waste and water management and green buildings.
• AMRUT 2.0 focuses on urban flooding solutions.

Coastal Adaptation

• Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) aims to restore 540 sq. km of mangroves across nine coastal states.
• Expected to sequester 4.5 million tons of carbon and create 22.8 million jobs.
• Use of seawalls, artificial reefs, and dune plantations to prevent coastal erosion.

Water Resource Management

• Jal Shakti Abhiyan promotes rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and afforestation.

Sustainable Lifestyles Initiative

• Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) encourages eco-friendly practices, reducing waste, and shifting from a “use-and-dispose” to a circular economy.

Way Forward

Sustainable Economic Growth

• Promote low-carbon industrialization and job creation while ensuring environmental sustainability.
• Implement sector-specific decarbonization strategies for industries like steel and cement.
• Expand climate-resilient infrastructure and enhance disaster preparedness.

Strengthening Clean Energy Investments

• Scale up solar, wind, and hydrogen energy.
• Improve battery storage and grid infrastructure.
• Invest in waste-to-energy and biofuels for energy diversification.

Ensuring a Just Transition

• Support MSMEs and fossil fuel workers in shifting to green industries.
• Ensure affordable clean energy access for rural and economically weaker sections.

Conclusion

India’s focus on climate adaptation reflects a pragmatic approach to balancing economic growth and sustainability. By prioritizing resilience-building and flexible energy transition strategies, India aims to safeguard its developmental interests while contributing to global climate action.

Mains question:

1. “India’s climate policy is shifting towards adaptation rather than mitigation. Analyze the reasons behind this shift and discuss its implications for sustainable development.” (150 WORDS)