Economic Survey: Adaptation Strategy Critical for India Given Vulnerability to Climate Change

India stands as the seventh most susceptible nation globally to the impacts of climate change. With this in mind, a recent Economic Survey underscores the critical necessity of advancing climate adaptation strategies on an urgent basis. The challenges brought on by emissions place a significant burden on nations like India, which are already managing limited resources.

Global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are detrimental worldwide; however, their mitigation benefits are broadly distributed, leaving vulnerable developing nations such as India to contend with a larger share of climate change hardships. These countries have little choice but to face the aftermath of historical emissions.

“Thus, it is imperative for vulnerable developing nations like India to embark on urgent climate adaptation initiatives as these directly influence lives, livelihoods, and the broader economy,” the survey stresses.

A noticeable increase in adaptation expenditures, rising from 3.7 percent to 5.6 percent of the GDP between FY16 and FY22, highlights the significance of adaptation and enhancing resilience within India’s developmental strategies.

Adaptation Strategies

To implement effective climate adaptation strategies, the survey outlines a multi-dimensional approach. It suggests including policy actions, sector-focused strategies, development of resilient infrastructure, research and development endeavors, and securing financial resources for adaptation activities.

The adaptation measures must account for regional specificities, given India’s vast geographic and agro-climatic diversity. For example, challenges like heat and water stress adversely affect crop yields and present hurdles for India’s food security.

In agriculture, adaptation strategies have concentrated on advancing R&D for climate-resilient crop varieties, conserving groundwater resources, improving soil health, and adjusting cropping practices.

As urbanization persists, there’s a growing focus on comprehensive adaptation actions to address issues like heat stress, urban flooding, and diminishing groundwater levels in cities. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has introduced a framework for assessing city climate-relevant parameters, enabling them to adopt and share effective practices.

Given India’s expansive 7,600 km coastline and numerous islands, adaptation in coastal regions takes on critical importance. Actions in these areas may involve mangrove restoration, constructing sea walls and artificial reefs, nourishing beaches, planting dunes, and implementing sand bypassing initiatives.

Energy Security

Lessons from developed countries advise careful consideration and caution against decommissioning thermal energy resources without establishing viable technological alternatives to ensure stable energy supplies.

India stands at a unique crossroads concerning its increasing energy demands. By optimally utilizing its abundant resources, cutting-edge technologies, and specialized knowledge, India can expedite its mission to become a developed nation by the year 2047, all while pursuing a low-carbon development pathway.

Beyond this target, India must aggressively pursue its visionary goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. This ambition will require creative strategies and robust implementation plans geared towards addressing climate challenges, ensuring that sustainable development remains a primary focus.

To achieve this, prioritizing innovation and investment in overcoming obstacles related to renewable energy—such as battery storage, grid infrastructure, and critical mineral resources—will be essential in the short to medium term.