Editorial 2 : Investing in People’s Resilience and Clean Energy
Context:
Global Carbon Project data warns that the world is on track for dangerously high warming, underscoring the urgency of investing in clean energy and climate resilience.
Global Emissions Trends: What the Data Shows
- Rising Carbon Emissions Globally
- The Global Carbon Project (2025) estimates that global carbon emissions may hit record highs by the end of 2025.
- The US registered the highest projected rise over 2024 at 1.9%, followed by India (1.4%), China, and the EU.
- India’s Lower-than-Expected Growth
- India’s emission growth slowed due to:
- Large-scale renewable energy expansion (solar, wind).
- A relatively cooler summer and early monsoon.
- Decline in electricity-sector emissions in the first half of 2025.
- India’s long-term growth of GHG emissions reduced to 3.6% (2015–24) from 6.4% (2004–15).
- The US saw a reversal of a nearly 20-year downward trend due to increased fossil-fuel usage.
The Larger Warning: Decarbonisation Still Too Slow
- Not Enough to Meet Global Targets
- Despite increasing renewable deployment, the pace of global decarbonisation is insufficient to keep global warming below 1.5°C.
- Fossil Fuel Dependence Continues
- Renewable energy is expanding, but demand for energy is also rising.
- The world may peak emissions by 2030, but that is too late to stay within the carbon budget.
- The world is on course for around 2.6°C of warming, posing catastrophic climate risks.
India's Role and Opportunities
- Renewable Energy Leadership
- India is among the fastest-growing renewables markets:
- 190+ GW installed RE capacity (excluding large hydro).
- Target: 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030.
- Energy Transition Challenges
- Need to reduce reliance on coal, which still generates ~70% of electricity.
- Financing, grid integration, and storage remain major hurdles.
Need for Climate Resilience: A People-Centred Approach
- Climate impacts heatwaves, floods, cyclones—are increasing in frequency and severity.
- Vulnerable Populations Need Protection: Investments required in:
- Climate-resilient agriculture (drought-resistant crops, micro-irrigation).
- Disaster-proof infrastructure (cyclone shelters, resilient housing).
- Livelihood diversification (eco-tourism, renewable job creation).
- Early warning systems & community preparedness.
- Developing countries, including India, are disproportionately affected despite low historical emissions.
Way Forward
- Accelerate Renewable Energy Investments
- Streamline approvals, expand rooftop solar, develop storage technologies.
- Promote green hydrogen and e-mobility.
- Phased Reduction of Fossil Fuels
- Implement Just Transition mechanisms for coal-dependent regions.
- Adopt carbon pricing or market-based instruments.
- Developed nations must fulfil commitments under the $100 billion climate finance goal and Loss & Damage Fund.
- Strengthen Adaptation Plans
- Expand the National Adaptation Fund.
- Integrate climate resilience into urban planning (heat action plans, flood zoning).
- Community-Centric Climate Action
- Empower Panchayats with climate funds.
- Scale up local renewable cooperatives and nature-based solutions.
Conclusion
The world stands at a critical juncture: emissions are rising even as climate impacts intensify. The Global Carbon Project’s warning highlights that climate action must focus not only on clean energy but also on protecting people’s lives and livelihoods. For India, combining rapid energy transition with investments in resilience will be essential to ensure a secure, inclusive, and sustainable future.