Pugazh Murugan RaguramanThe global climate strategy emphasizes climate adaptation and mitigation, with a focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and cutting methane emissions. While achievable for developed nations, these goals are more challenging for India. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion, India’s energy demand is immense. Yet, India’s per capita emissions are approximately 2.8 tons of CO2 equivalent annually, in stark contrast to 8 tons in the EU and 16 tons in the US.
Renewable energy, such as solar and wind, is often seen as the panacea for climate change. However, transitioning to renewables poses significant challenges. The production of solar panels and wind turbines requires rare earth metals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, which are mostly extracted from countries with poor labor and environmental standards. This extraction process is both energy-intensive and environmentally damaging, creating a paradox where clean energy initiatives contribute to environmental degradation.
Moreover, renewable energy sources are intermittent, relying on weather conditions, which requires substantial storage capacities to ensure a stable power supply. This further intensifies the environmental impact, as battery production involves additional mining and resource extraction.
India’s reliance on coal for industrial processes, power generation, and transportation presents a major hurdle in reducing carbon emissions. With approximately 70% of India’s electricity derived from coal, transitioning to cleaner energy sources is a formidable challenge.
The financial burden of this transition is another significant obstacle. Developing countries like India need approximately $6 trillion by 2030 to meet climate targets. Yet, developed nations pledged only $100 billion till 2020, with an actual provision of just $83.3 billion. This financing gap makes it nearly impossible for India to invest in clean energy infrastructure and technology.
A critical flaw in the current climate strategy is its failure to address overconsumption in developed countries. High-income nations are responsible for the majority of global emissions, with the top 10% of emitters averaging 22 tons of CO2 per year, over 200 times the emissions of the bottom 10%. The focus remains on technological solutions rather than addressing the root cause: excessive consumption.
For example, the average American consumes 12,700 kWh of electricity annually, compared to just 185 kWh in Africa. This disparity highlights the need for a holistic climate approach that includes lifestyle changes and reduced consumption in developed countries, alongside technological advancements.
India must advocate for a climate strategy that aligns with its developmental needs and capacities. This involves investing in clean energy technologies suited to its context, such as small-scale solar and wind projects, improving energy efficiency in industries, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, India should leverage its leadership in the Global South to push for equitable climate policies that hold developed nations accountable for their historical emissions and current consumption patterns.
To effectively tackle the climate crisis, the global community must adopt a more nuanced and equitable approach. This includes recognizing the historical emissions of developed countries and providing adequate financial and technological support to developing nations. It also means shifting the focus from merely replacing fossil fuels with renewables to promoting sustainable consumption and lifestyle changes.
The global approach to climate change is fundamentally flawed and insufficient for addressing India’s unique challenges. A more equitable and sustainable strategy is required—one that acknowledges the interconnected nature of climate, development, and consumption and provides necessary support for all nations to achieve their climate goals.
