The Climate Party®’s Post

Three days ago, I shared a post about India's status as the world's third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases (GHGs), which sparked a valuable discussion within our community. Over a cup of tea, we engage in these important topics, aiming to understand each other's perspectives on the emerging trends in this field and learn from each other's experiences. Concerns arose during these conversations regarding the per-capita emissions and historical emissions of developed countries, and the potential compromise of India's development path by nations that have already significantly contributed to global pollution. This exchange illustrates the multifaceted nature of climate action, where equity, responsibility, and urgency intersect. Many of us pointed out that while India's total emissions are significant, our per-capita greenhouse gas emissions remain relatively low compared to developed nations. Yet, this does not diminish the pressing need for all of us, as a collective, to confront and reduce pollution. India, with its dense population, could face severe impacts if the world fails to achieve net-zero emissions by the end of this century (the current global target is 2050). The repercussions of pollution extend far beyond environmental impacts, affecting public health, agricultural productivity, and the overall quality of life. The threats from air and water pollution contribute to respiratory illnesses, heart diseases, and a surge in cancer rates. Additionally, the degradation of natural resources could jeopardise food security, exacerbating malnutrition and poverty. These challenges not only threaten the well-being of our citizens but also pose significant barriers to our nation's development, subtly dispelling the notion that economic growth must come at the expense of environmental sustainability. The Indian government's ambitious net-zero by 2070 target and its call for developed nations to become carbon-negative by 2050 underscore India's emerging role in global climate negotiations, emphasizing the need for historic emitters to allow developing nations more "carbon space.". As we navigate these challenges, let us draw inspiration from the ancient Indian principle of "वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्" (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam)—the world as one family. This timeless wisdom reminds us that the fight against climate change transcends national borders, requiring every country, including India, to contribute to the well-being of humanity and safeguard our future generations.   Sustainable Indian Growth: #ClimateAction

𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 🌎⛈️ Climate change is no longer a distant threat but a storm directly influencing #investment decisions, particularly for countries like #India with its diverse geography and economies. Let's explore how climate change drives the need for sustainable investment strategies in India. 𝐊𝐞𝐲 #𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 👩🌾 Climate change has drastic impacts on agricultural productivity and food security, compelling investors to rethink and #invest in resilient agricultural #technologies and practices for sustainability and profitability. 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 💡 Spearheaded by ambitious #government initiatives, India aims to achieve 450 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. This goal has spurred investments in solar and wind energy projects, highlighting a significant shift from traditional fossil fuels to sustainable sources. The story of ReNew Power, a homegrown renewable energy giant, exemplifies this trend, attracting global investors keen on supporting green energy transition narratives. 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬 💹 The Indian financial market is witnessing a rise in green bonds that fund environmental and climate-friendly projects. India’s first green bond, issued by the Indian #Railway Finance Corporation in 2017, marked a pivotal moment, setting the stage for more such instruments. 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 🏗️ The real estate sector in India is driven by increasing demand for green buildings. #Developers and investors are now prioritising projects with energy-efficient designs, water conservation measures and sustainable materials, recognising the long-term value and demand for environmentally friendly living spaces. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝: 𝐀 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐦 🌱 As India navigates the complexities of climate change, the investment landscape is undeniably transforming. The nation’s journey towards sustainability is not just about mitigating #risks but also about seizing new #opportunities. For investors, the message is clear: the future of investment is green and the time to act is now. By aligning investment decisions with sustainable practices, investors can contribute to a resilient #economy and a healthier planet, ensuring prosperity for future generations.

Wonderful to be part of the India Global Forum London Climate Leaders Breakfast Dialogue.   India’s approach to energy collaboration underscores its commitment to sustainable development, energy security, and global climate goals while addressing the energy needs of its growing economy. The country has emerged as a frontrunner in energy initiatives. Through focused programs, it has reduced CO2 emissions by 106 million tonnes annually. Energy access is at the centre of SDG 7. India’s expansion efforts have helped connect thousands of villages, positively impacting millions of homes.   India’s environmental stewardship can be traced to its legislature and judiciary, which embrace environmental constitutionalism. In fact, the National Environment Policy (2006) talks of the principle of decentralisation, which advocates greater involvement of states in crafting comprehensive climate policies.   The India Global Forum (IGF) is doing a fabulous job as it serves as a gateway to enabling businesses, countries, and communities to come together to seize the moment and advance the clean energy transition. IGF tells the story of a modern India, highlighting the pace of change and growth India has set for itself and the world. #ReNewTheFuture

The policy design to achieve India's Net-Zero Economy by 2070 has started under the aegis of NITI Aayog, forming the following six panels for transition planning: Working Group 1: Macroeconomic Implications of Net Zero Transitions Working Group 2: Sectoral analysis - Transport, Power, Agriculture etc. Working Group 3: Climate Finance Working Group 4: Critical Minerals, R&D, Domestic Manufacturing, and Supply Chain Working Group 5: Energy Transition - Social Perspective Working Group 6: Policy Synthesis #NITIAayog #NetZero #Sustainability

Last week in #climatetech: 1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India is the first G20 nation to fulfill its climate commitments under the 2015 Paris Agreement, achieving this milestone ahead of schedule. Speaking on India's 78th Independence Day, Modi highlighted this as a pivotal moment in the nation's climate leadership. Read More: https://lnkd.in/gKgicM5x 2. Prime Minister Modi launched 109 advanced seed varieties developed by ICAR to boost agricultural productivity. These climate-resilient and biofortified seeds cover 61 crops and aim to enhance farmer's income. Read More: https://lnkd.in/gbJcg65M 3. GRI and the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) published a joint resource mapping the alignment between TNFD Recommendations and GRI Standards. This collaboration supports seamless integration of #Biodiversity impact reporting, helping organisations avoid double reporting while ensuring transparent disclosures. Read More: https://lnkd.in/ecrcawy3 4. Ather Energy, an electric scooter manufacturer, has become a unicorn with a $1.3 billion valuation after raising Rs 600 crore ($71 million) from the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF). This marks a significant milestone for the company in the electric vehicle market. Read More: https://lnkd.in/gafvF9-w 5. Volvo's EX90 SUV will use battery passports, digital tools to trace mineral origins, ensuring ethical sourcing and compliance with upcoming EU and U.S. regulations. This move supports transparency in the #SupplyChain and helps secure incentives for the company. Read More: https://lnkd.in/ec_4P9DC 6. India's intense summer #HeatWave severely affected companies, with a record 80 mentions in Nifty 500 earnings calls. The heatwave disrupted retail footfalls, construction productivity, and loan collections, contributing to missed earnings estimates, while some companies like Whirlpool and NTPC saw gains from increased summer demand. Read More: https://lnkd.in/dNwCuT5f What are we reading: Disclosing down stream emissions - Harvard Business Review: https://lnkd.in/gSJXQAUv What are we listening to: https://lnkd.in/gGhUmqgv

🌍 Advancing Sustainable Development and Tackling Climate Change in India 🌍 Chapter 9 of the Economic Survey 2023-24 outlines the significant strides India is making towards sustainable development and addressing climate change. The Government is committed to a balanced approach that prioritizes both human welfare and environmental sustainability. Key Steps Taken by the Government: Technological Innovation: The development of cutting-edge technologies, including hydrogen-fueled steel production and Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS), is a priority. International Collaboration: India emphasizes the need for financial resources and technological support from developed countries to accelerate its green transition. Policy Balancing: Ensuring policies cater to immediate human needs while also addressing long-term climate goals. Call to Action for the Immediate Future: Boost Investment in Renewable Energy: Encourage both public and private sectors to invest heavily in renewable energy projects to reduce dependency on fossil fuels. Strengthen Climate Resilience: Implement robust infrastructure and adaptive measures to protect vulnerable communities from climate impacts. Promote Sustainable Practices: Raise awareness and incentivize sustainable agricultural and industrial practices to lower the carbon footprint. Together, we can pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future. Let's contribute to this mission and support initiatives that foster environmental stewardship and economic growth. Ministry of Coal - Official Coal India #SustainableDevelopment #ClimateChange #GreenGrowth #RenewableEnergy #India #MoEFCC #MoC #CoalIndiaLimited #EconomicSurvey2024 #GreenIndia #CleanEnergy #FutureReady

Climate change is the crisis of the century. Climate change is also the strategic and business opportunity of the century. Countries and corporations that succeed this century and beyond are those that are competitive in this new exciting race to the top. They will make progress and profit through sustainability. There are so many great examples right in front of our eyes - from solar panels to electric vehicles. For India, the race is central to achieving the audacious ambiton of becoming the first major economy to industrialise without carbonising. We can build on a vibrant innovation ecosystem and we can establish growth path decoupled from emissions. It will require to invest more in R&D and build deeper scientific partnerships in India.   I write about this in Mint: https://bit.ly/3x12gAa Would love know what you think.   #India #IndianPathway #SharedSustainableProsperity #IndustrialisingWithoutCarbonising #IndustrialiseWithoutCarbonising #RaceToTheTop #RandD #ResearchAndDevelopment #ClimateTech #Sustainability #Innovation #InnovateInIndia #ClimatePolicy #CompetitiveAdvantage #ClimateChange   Environmental Defense Fund

#DAY1 OF TALKING ABOUT OUR HOME #BRSR #ESG Once upon a time, in a small Indian village, a young boy named Aarav watched the river near his home gradually dry up. Farmers were distressed, crops began to fail, and his community struggled. Curious to understand why, Aarav discovered a shocking truth: 54% of India faces high water stress (NITI Aayog, 2018). Rivers are drying up due to overuse and pollution, and the crisis extends far beyond his village. He learned that sustainability means ensuring future generations have access to essential resources like water, energy, and clean air. Aarav dug deeper and found that India, despite its efforts in renewable energy like solar power, still battles severe air pollution—14 of the world’s most polluted cities are in India (WHO, 2018). This imbalance made him realize that small actions, like conserving water and using clean energy, can have profound impacts. Aarav shared his insights with his friends, and soon, they were all taking steps to live more sustainably. Aarav’s story is a reminder that sustainability isn’t a distant concept but a responsibility we must all adopt today, especially in India, where environmental challenges are immediate. In today’s corporate world, #ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and #BRSR (Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting) are playing a crucial role in shaping sustainable business practices. From FY 2022-23, Indian companies are required to submit BRSR reports, outlining their sustainability efforts and their broader societal impact. For more updates on sustainability, ESG, and BRSR reporting, follow Aashish Sachdev. #Sustainability #ESG #BRSR #WaterCrisis #India #CorporateResponsibility #RenewableEnergy Image: Dall.E

As a new government prepares to take oath in India, there will be much to determine. Inspiringly, one thing that has broad consensus is the critical need to address climate change. I outline what I think are the 6 priorities for India for CNBC-TV18. Energy: Economic growth requires energy - but accelerating the capacity and utilisation of renewables energy will reduce the emissions intensity of energy. Water: Left unchecked, there is a real risk for groundwater - which is essential for drinking and agriculture. Scaling up science-based practises is critical. Forest Cover: The single biggest carbon sink we have is our forests and biodiversity. A mission-mode approach to these sectors is the need of the hour. Agriculture: Farmers are at the frontline of climate change and everything needs to be done to serve their interests. Industrial Efficiency: India Inc. needs to start investing mindspace and money to realise the shareholder value creation opportunity from responsible business. Climate Tech: The Indian economy will double every decade for the next few decades. Climate tech is one way that emissions do not grow at a same rate. Do read more here. As always, eager to hear your comments and grateful for spreading the word. p.s. Happy World Environment Day https://lnkd.in/gUg59pCH Environmental Defense Fund Environmental Defense Fund in India #India #Bharat #Energy #EnergyTransition #Renewables #JustTransition #Solar #Wind #Nuclear #Hydro #Storage #Water #GroundWater #WaterSecurity #Agriculture #ClimateSmartAgriculture #Dairy #ClimateSmartDairy #Fisheries #SustainableFishing #NetZero #NDCs #IndustrialEfficiency #HeatEfficiency #FreightAndLogistics #Forest #ForestCover #Biodiversity #PLIs #ClimateTech #ClimateFinance #GreenFinance #ClimateRisk #ClimateAction #SustainableLivelihoods #SharedSustainableProsperity #IndianPathway #IndianInnovation #StartUpIndia #InnovateInIndia #WorldEnvironmentDay

Insightful sharing from Hisham Mundol, our Chief Advisor, India as Modi was elected as a leader of coalition, and is set to form a new government. "Climate change is the crisis of the century but equally represents the business and strategic opportunity of the century. A new government is an opportunity for renewal and determination. The new government will be well served to make important steps towards this and setting India on an exciting trajectory for both nation and planet. These are exciting times." Read more: https://lnkd.in/gnH28eFq