To Scale Up Our Climate Ambition, A Seven-Point Plan

  • December 04, 2025
  • Environment

Indian Express

To Scale Up Our Climate Ambition, A Seven-Point Plan

1. Key Arguments Presented

The authors put forth a structured, actionable framework for India’s updated NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions) under the Paris Agreement, focusing on a seven-point strategy to strengthen India’s climate transition. Key arguments include:

A. Updated NDCs must reflect an economy-wide transition

The authors argue that the upcoming NDC submission for 2025-2035 should not merely tweak targets but redefine India’s entire energy and industrial roadmap, highlighting the need for deep, structural decarbonisation.

B. Reduce emissions intensity of GDP more aggressively

They propose raising India’s emissions-intensity reduction target from the existing 45% to 65% by 2035, and reducing coal dependency substantially, especially by avoiding new coal plants.

C. Expand renewable and electricity capacity significantly

The authors call for:

  • Raising renewable generation capacity to 1,600 GW by 2035
  • Increasing renewable share in electricity to 50%
  • Significantly scaling up grid investment and electricity demand management

D. Phase out unabated coal

A major argument is the need for a clear and explicit timeline for phasing out coal-based generation and avoiding approval of any new coal plants.

E. Electrify transport and industry

Transportation, railways, and segments of industrial loads must shift rapidly to electricity, supported by a credible grid expansion strategy.

F. Operationalise India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme

The authors emphasise the importance of a functional carbon market to drive efficiency and incentivise low-carbon investments.

G. Mobilise massive financial resources

Substantial domestic and international capital flows will be required—estimated at nearly $52 billion annually to meet India’s climate and energy transition goals.

2. Author’s Stance

The authors adopt a technocratic, reform-oriented stance, strongly supportive of accelerated climate action. Their approach is pragmatic, anchored in data, and aligned with global climate commitments. The stance is:

  • Pro-renewable
  • Against new coal expansion
  • Supportive of market-based mechanisms
  • Firmly believing that India can meet climate goals without compromising economic growth

They view climate transition as an economic opportunity rather than a burden.

3. Possible Biases Present

A. Underestimation of socio-economic complexities

The article presumes a smooth transition away from coal but does not sufficiently account for:

  • Coal-dependent states
  • Employment concerns
  • Regional inequalities

B. Heavy reliance on technology and market solutions

It assumes:

  • Carbon markets will function efficiently
  • Private capital will flow at scale
  • The grid can absorb rapid electrification

However, India’s experience with large infrastructure rollouts suggests significant administrative and regulatory bottlenecks.

C. Limited discussion on political economy constraints

Phasing out coal remains politically sensitive, especially where state revenues depend on mining. The article does not fully engage with these realities.

Despite these biases, the article remains evidence-based and forward-looking.

4. Pros and Cons

Pros

  1. Comprehensive and actionable roadmap
    Provides clear steps aligning with global 1.5°C pathways.
  2. Strong emphasis on renewables and electrification
    Matches India’s long-term strategic needs and industrial policy goals.
  3. Focus on carbon markets and institutional frameworks
    Important for efficiency and innovation in climate mitigation.
  4. Addresses financial requirements realistically
    Acknowledges that India must tap both domestic and foreign capital.

Cons

  1. Transition costs for vulnerable communities remain underexplored
    A just transition narrative is missing.
  2. Overly optimistic assumptions about grid readiness and storage availability
    Large-scale variable renewables require firm capacity and balancing.
  3. Underplays the geopolitical challenges of importing clean-energy components
    India still depends heavily on foreign supply chains for solar modules, batteries, and critical minerals.

5. Policy Implications

A. Energy Sector Reforms (GS-3)

  • Faster renewable grid integration
  • Modernisation of distribution companies
  • Increased storage capacity

B. Industrial Policy (GS-3)

  • Electrification of industrial processes
  • New incentives for low-carbon manufacturing
  • Changes to coal-linked industries

C. Transport and Mobility (GS-3)

  • Electrification of public transport
  • Rapid railway decarbonisation
  • EV ecosystem expansion

D. Fiscal and Financial Policy (GS-3 & GS-2)

  • Large-scale investment mobilisation
  • Development of sovereign green bonds
  • Incentives for private climate finance

E. International Relations (GS-2)

  • Stronger partnerships in climate financing
  • Enhanced engagement in global carbon markets
  • Climate diplomacy and negotiation leverage

6. Real-World Impact

Economic Impact

  • Massive job creation in renewable energy, grid infrastructure, and EV ecosystem
  • Higher long-term industrial competitiveness

Environmental Impact

  • Lower emissions, reduced air pollution, improved public health
  • Increased energy security

Social Impact

  • Potential displacement of coal-dependent labour
  • Improved quality of life from cleaner energy, but only if transition is inclusive

Technological Impact

  • Boosts innovation in grid management, storage, hydrogen, and clean mobility

7. Alignment With UPSC GS Papers

GS Paper 1

  • Urbanisation and industrialisation impacts
  • Climate-related geography issues

GS Paper 2

  • Government policies, international agreements (Paris Agreement)
  • Climate diplomacy

GS Paper 3

  • Environment
  • Energy security
  • Climate change
  • Sustainable development
  • Infrastructure and economic planning

GS Paper 4

  • Ethical dimensions of intergenerational equity and environmental justice

Essay Paper

Topics such as:

  • Climate justice
  • Energy transition
  • Sustainable development
  • Global cooperation

8. Balanced Summary

The article delivers an ambitious, well-reasoned seven-point plan to shape India’s next NDCs and steer the country toward a low-carbon future. It effectively combines economic logic, technical feasibility, and global alignment. The authors advocate aggressive renewable expansion, coal phase-out, electrification of transport and industry, a functional carbon market, and massive capital mobilisation.

However, the analysis underplays political economy constraints, social transition challenges, and the slow pace of administrative reforms. Nevertheless, the article offers a structured blueprint for India’s climate ambition at a moment when global expectations are rising.

9. Future Perspectives

  1. Integrate a Just Transition Plan for coal workers and mining states.
  2. Develop storage and grid balancing solutions to complement high renewable penetration.
  3. Accelerate domestic manufacturing of solar modules, batteries, and green hydrogen components.
  4. Strengthen climate governance institutions for monitoring, accountability, and transparency.
  5. Mobilise blended finance and green banks to support long-term climate projects.
  6. Enhance state-level climate policies, as energy transition challenges vary regionally.
  7. Adopt behavioural strategies to reduce demand and improve efficiency.