Sustainability and India’s Future: Achieving Sustainable Development

In recent years, I have had the opportunity to work with countries and organizations around the world, helping them become Greener and more sustainability focused. One these countries I have had the pleasure of working in is India.

Below are some of my perceptions regarding India's progress to become more sustainability focused as well as challenges the country still faces.

Renewable energy

India is now the world's third-largest producer of renewable energy, with over 40 percent of its installed electricity capacity coming from non-fossil fuel sources. The government has also set ambitious targets to increase this to 50 percent by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070.

Electric Vehicles

India is making progress in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. The government has set a target for 65 percent of all new car sales to be EVs by 2030. Several Indian companies are now manufacturing EVs, and the government provides subsidies to encourage EV adoption.

Energy Efficiency

India is taking steps to improve energy efficiency. The government has launched several programs to promote energy-efficient appliances and buildings. India has also set a target to reduce its energy intensity (demand) by 45 percent by 2030.

Pollution Control

India is working to reduce pollution. The government has launched several programs to improve air and water quality. India has also set targets to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 45 percent by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.

Challenges

Despite the progress being made, India still faces several challenges in achieving sustainability. One of the biggest challenges is India's large and growing population. India is expected to have over 1.6 billion people by 2050, which will strain India's resources.

Another challenge is India's poverty level. Over 220 million people in India live below the poverty line, possibly more. Poverty makes it difficult for people to afford sustainable products and services.

As in other parts of the world, including our own, India has been over-extracting groundwater and lacks proper water management systems. Correcting these issues are crucial to the country's future.

Finally, an April 2023 CNN report says that India is increasingly vulnerable to climate change, much more than initially thought. "Long-term projections indicate that Indian heat waves could cross the survivability limit for a healthy human resting in the shade by 2050,” according to a sobering report from Cambridge University.
 
Conclusion

Yes, the challenges are there. However, India is making progress on sustainability. Along with myself, other advocates for sustainability are working with the government, Indian businesses, and individuals to achieve a sustainable, healthy future for India.

Without question, the time to act is now.

-Steve