On international day Against climate change, India reaffirms its climate commitment

Climate does not discriminate often, it affects everyone. Every year on 24 October, the world observes the International Day Against Climate Change to raise awareness and inspire global action against one of the gravest challenges facing humanity. This day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2008, calling upon nations to take a united stand on mitigation, adaptation, and sustainable development.

Climate change, as defined by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), refers to long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns, largely driven by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels. The observance serves to strengthen political resolve and public understanding while encouraging sustainable practices at every level from households to governments.

India’s Recent Climate Action
India’s climate response has evolved significantly over the past decade. The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), launched in 2008, laid the groundwork with eight national missions addressing solar energy, energy efficiency, sustainable habitats, water resources, Himalayan ecosystems, forestry, sustainable agriculture and knowledge creation.

According to India’s Fourth Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) submitted to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in December 2024, the country recorded a 7.93 per cent decline in total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2020 compared with 2019. India’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement commits to reducing emissions intensity of GDP by 45 per cent by 2030 (from 2005 levels) and ensuring 50 per cent non-fossil power capacity in the same period.

Complementary initiatives include nationwide afforestation drives, expansion of protected areas, and a rapid scale-up of renewable energy. With more than 190 GW of renewable capacity installed as of 2025, India remains among the world’s fastest-growing clean energy markets.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently underscored the link between development and sustainability. Speaking at COP28 in Dubai, he remarked, “For me, climate action is not a compulsion, it is a moral duty. India’s vision is of a world where progress does not come at the cost of the planet.”

The Major Challenges
Despite progress, India faces persistent challenges. Its diverse geography, long coastline, and dependence on agriculture make it highly vulnerable to climate impacts. While India’s per-capita emissions are low, the country accounts for roughly 8 per cent of global CO₂ emissions, driven by its reliance on coal and industrial growth.

Weak institutional coordination and limited public awareness further constrain implementation. Frequent extreme weather events, erratic monsoons and melting Himalayan glaciers continue to disrupt livelihoods and ecosystems, demanding urgent adaptive measures. Floods in Himachal, Air pollution in Delhi are major example of this.

Climate Change & Constitution
The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) in Part IV of the Indian Constitution directs the State to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife. Although non-justiciable, these principles provide a moral foundation for India’s environmental policies, guiding legislative and executive action on climate change and sustainability.

The Road Ahead
To address the growing climate crisis, India must accelerate its energy transition, strengthen adaptation frameworks, and expand institutional capacity. Public participation and climate literacy are equally vital to sustain long-term behavioural change. Mobilising finance, encouraging innovation, and integrating climate goals with social and economic policy will be essential to achieving the net-zero 2070 target.

The International Day Against Climate Change is more than a symbolic reminder—it is a global call to align governance, industry and community action toward a shared vision of resilience and sustainability. For India, the task is clear, to convert its commitments into consistent, measurable and inclusive progress.