India’s Shift from Mitigation to Adaptation in Climate Action | 08 Feb 2025

Source: IE 

Why in News? 

India has signaled a shift in its climate stance by prioritizing adaptation over emission cuts (Mitigation).  

• This reflects concerns over global inaction and weak financial commitments at United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties 29 (COP29), further underscored by its likely delay in submitting the 2035 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). 

Why is India Prioritizing Adaptation Over Mitigation? 

• Reevaluation of Global Climate Commitments: The world is not on track to meet its emissions reduction targets for 2030 or 2035 (nations must cut greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2030 and 57% by 2035). 
  • Developed nations have failed to meet their climate finance obligations, with COP29 securing only USD 300 billion per year (starting 2035) instead of the USD 1 trillion demanded by developing nations. 
  • The withdrawal of the US from the Paris Agreement in 2025 has further weakened global climate action momentum. 
  • India aims for low-carbon growth at its own pace, with energy transition driven by domestic priorities. 
• Immediate and Local Benefits: India argues that global climate targets overlook developing nations' immediate needs. 
  • Unlike mitigation, which requires global cooperation, adaptation like building climate-resilient infrastructure offers direct, immediate benefits, and local benefits. 
  • Economic development enhances resilience, making prosperity a key factor in tackling climate change. 
• Economic Growth: The Economic Survey 2024-25 suggests that achieving “developed country” status by 2047 should take precedence, allowing for a more robust and sustainable transition to clean energy thereafter. 
  • India argues that rapid industrialization and economic growth, as seen in China, provide the resources necessary for future decarbonization. 
• Flexibility: India is seeking greater autonomy in determining its energy transition pace, rather than adhering to externally imposed targets. 
  • While decarbonization remains a long-term goal, India is unwilling to compromise economic growth through immediate restrictions on fossil fuel use. 
  • A bottom-up approach through ground-level initiatives is seen as more effective than top-down mandates. 

How is India Balancing Growth and Clean Energy Transition? 

• Low-Carbon Development: Despite resisting strict coal phase-down commitments, India is expanding its renewable energy sector. 
  • India is on track to meet its 2030 NDC targets: India targets 50% installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030, reaching 46.8% as of November 2024. 
  • India aims to create an additional 2.5-3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) sink through forest expansion by 2030, based on 2005 levels. 
    • The Forest Survey of India (2024) estimates a carbon sink of 30.43 billion tonnes in 2023, up from 28.14 billion tonnes in 2005, an addition of 2.29 billion tonnes.  
    • Projections indicate 31.71 billion tonnes by 2030, surpassing the NDC target. 
  • India targets a 45% reduction in GDP emissions intensity by 2030. As of 2019, it has already achieved a 33% reduction from 2005 levels. 
  • Solar and wind energy investments remain a priority, with ambitious targets for hydrogen energy development. 
    • The installed renewable electricity generation capacity is as follows: Solar (20.6%), Wind (10.5%), Hydro (10.3%), and Nuclear (1.8%). 
• Domestic Clean Energy: India aims to reduce its dependence on foreign supply chains for clean energy technologies like solar panels, electric batteries, through a new National Manufacturing Mission (announced in Union Budget 2025-26). 
  • Policies are being designed to support indigenous production of solar cells, wind turbines, and battery storage solutions. 
• Developing SMRs: Recognizing its slow progress in nuclear energy, India is now pushing for indigenous Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs) to enhance energy security. 
• Delay in Submitting 2035 NDCs: India has postponed its 2035 climate commitments to later in 2025, likely to negotiate better financial terms at COP30 in Brazil. 
  • Holding back allows India to adjust its targets based on domestic priorities and global climate finance developments. 

What are India’s Key Climate Adaptation Initiatives? 

• National Adaptation Plan (NAP): Developed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 
  • Focuses on climate resilience across sectors, including agriculture, water management, and urban planning. 
• Adaptation in Agriculture: Heat and water stress threaten food security, adaptation measures include: 
  • Climate-resilient seeds and improved soil health practices. 
  • Groundwater conservation and modified cropping techniques. 
• Urban Climate Resilience: The National Mission on Sustainable Habitat (NMSH) promotes waste and water management and green buildings. 
  • AMRUT 2.0 (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) aims to tackle urban flooding. 
• Coastal Adaptation Measures: 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. 
  • Seawalls, artificial reefs, and dune planting to combat coastal erosion and rising sea levels. 
• Water Resource Management:  Jal Shakti Abhiyan focuses on rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and afforestation. 
• Mission LiFE: Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) is an India-led global initiative, it promotes sustainable living and individual responsibility in climate action, shifting from a "use-and-dispose" mindset to a circular economy. 

Way Forward 

• Economic Growth with Sustainability: Prioritize industrial growth and job creation while ensuring low-carbon development. Implement sectoral decarbonization plans in steel, cement, and heavy industries. 
  • Encourage green urban planning for sustainable cities through Smart Cities Mission and smart mobility solutions. 
  • Develop climate-resilient infrastructure, strengthen disaster preparedness, and expand afforestation for natural carbon sinks. 
• Clean Energy Expansion: Expand solar, wind, and green hydrogen investments, enhance battery storage and grid infrastructure, and promote waste-to-energy and biofuels for a diversified clean energy mix. 
• Just and Inclusive Transition: Support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and fossil fuel workers in transitioning to green jobs while ensuring affordable clean energy access for rural and underprivileged communities.