Achieving net-zero emission 'elusive': Lack of dialogue on climate issues

By Dr Manoj Kumar Mishra*  

The landslides in Kerala serve as a stark reminder of the need for urgent action on climate change, highlighting the complacency of India and other major nations regarding climate issues. Political leaders and influential figures in India often prioritize power and material gains, while ordinary citizens exploit the environment to satisfy immediate needs. 

This mindset neglects the fundamental truth that humanity is part of a complex ecological system, rather than its centerpiece. The recent disasters have already claimed over three hundred lives in the Mundakkai region of Wayanad district, where heavy rains triggered massive landslides. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan indicated that rescue efforts could extend for days, raising fears that the death toll may increase. 

Alarmingly, while many Indians acknowledge climate change as a potential threat, it is rarely treated as an urgent issue in public discourse or political agendas -- except when tragedy strikes. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has garnered international acclaim for his commitments to reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources. Notably, he played a key role in establishing the International Solar Alliance (ISA) during the 2015 G20 Summit, underscoring India’s proactive stance on global climate issues. 

This initiative aimed to promote solar energy and diminish reliance on fossil fuels, positioning India as a leader in renewable energy advocacy. In 2021, India further solidified its commitments at COP26, pledging to attain net-zero emissions by 2070 and updating its Nationally Determined Contributions in 2022. 

Nonetheless, despite these ambitious pledges, data shows that India remains heavily dependent on coal and imported crude oil. Coal constitutes approximately 70% of the nation’s electricity generation, and much of its transportation relies on foreign oil, leading India to become the world's third-largest carbon dioxide emitter, even as its per capita emissions remain relatively low. 

The timeline for achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 may prove insufficient; climate change's impacts could severely affect all Indians -- especially the most vulnerable—long before this target is reached. According to NASA, the average global temperature in summer 2023 was already 1.2 degrees Celsius above the summer average from 1951 to 1980. 

Experts warn that to mitigate floods, earthquakes, landslides, and heatwaves, and to prevent global warming from exceeding 2 degrees Celsius by mid-century, countries must achieve net-zero emissions within the next 25 years. However, achieving this remains elusive for most nations, including India, due to a lack of public awareness and dialogue about climate issues. 

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav's comments at a December 2023 press conference reflect the mindset prevailing among India's political leaders. He emphasized India's commitment to meeting its energy needs and reliance on coal until it reaches developed country status, adding that developed nations should also shoulder responsibility for climate preservation due to their historical environmental impact. 

India remains heavily dependent on coal and imported crude oil. Coal constitutes approximately 70% of the nation’s electricity generation

While arguments for equity and responsibility are valid in international discussions, India’s reliance on these points could hinder progress. As a nation that has developed past many Global South countries, India must effectively distribute resources to meet the material needs of its population. 

By leveraging diplomatic channels with developed countries and international financial institutions, India can access advanced green technologies and capital while also nurturing its indigenous green solutions. An analysis of the campaign speeches from the leaders in the 2024 general elections reveals a lack of focus on climate issues. 

Instead, they emphasized pressing concerns such as inflation, poverty, employment, irrigation, women’s empowerment, social justice, corruption, infrastructure, and national security. Climate change, despite its growing significance, did not feature prominently in their discussions. Politicians often downplay climate issues, as they do not register as immediate concerns for most people. 

Even as incidents of extreme weather become more frequent, many citizens prioritize tangible issues like agricultural pricing over long-term climate shifts. Numerous individuals feel powerless to influence weather changes, while others attribute them to mystical forces or religious beliefs, further complicating community engagement in climate action. 

Even amid severe heatwaves and pollution, many people continue to rally around their leaders, inadvertently contributing to carbon emissions through the use of fossil fuel-powered vehicles. Celebratory customs, such as the use of firecrackers during festivals, have resumed post-Covid restrictions, further exacerbating environmental concerns. 

There remains a significant gap in translating climate awareness into everyday behavior, coupled with a lack of encouragement from political leaders to adopt climate-sensitive practices. To address these challenges, a shift in focus from acknowledging climate change to actively engaging with it through political and public discourse is essential.

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*Lecturer in Political Science, SVM Autonomous College, Odisha