Climate change is a global concern, but all countries do not have the same level of carbon emissions or development needs. India has highlighted the importance of looking at per-capita emissions while discussing climate responsibility. The Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi addressed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) International Conference on “The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics”. He highlighted the gap in per-capita carbon emissions between India and developed countries and outlined India’s progress in renewable energy and clean mobility.

PM Modi highlights climate inequality

India and Global Carbon Emissions

India has highlighted the difference in per-capita emissions between developing and developed countries. At the same time, the country is expanding non-fossil fuel energy capacity while continuing its development process.

Per-capita emissions

Per-capita emissions show how much carbon dioxide is emitted on average by each person. India has highlighted this difference while discussing the responsibility of different countries in tackling climate change.

  • India’s per-capita carbon emissions are less than half the global average.

  • Per-capita carbon emissions in developed countries are six times higher than India’s.

  • PM Modi highlighted that the responsibility for carbon emissions is often placed on developing countries, despite differences in per-capita emissions.

India’s climate approach

India is increasing its non-fossil fuel energy capacity while continuing its development process. The country has also highlighted its progress towards its international climate commitments.

PM Modi stated that India was the only G20 country to have fulfilled its COP21 Paris climate commitments ahead of schedule.

India’s Progress in Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is an important part of India’s climate approach. Solar energy has seen major growth, while India is also expanding wind and hydropower capacity.

Solar energy

Solar power has become one of the key areas of India’s renewable energy expansion. The increase in installed capacity reflects the growing role of solar energy in the country’s energy system.

  • Solar energy capacity increased from 2 GW in 2012 to 160 GW currently.

  • India is also expanding wind and hydropower capacity.

KUSUM Yojana

The KUSUM Yojana connects renewable energy with agriculture by supporting the use of solar pumps. It can help farmers use solar energy for irrigation and reduce dependence on conventional power sources.

  • Around 30 lakh farmers have received solar pumps under the scheme.

One Nation One Grid

A connected national power grid allows electricity to move between different parts of the country. It also supports better integration and use of renewable energy.

  • The completed One Nation One Grid project has, according to PM Modi, helped prevent around 200 million tonnes of carbon emissions.

Solar-powered homes

India has also started a mission to make homes centres of solar power generation. The focus is on increasing the use of solar energy at the household level.

  • India has started a mission to make homes centres of solar power generation.

Clean Mobility and Transport

The transport sector is another important part of India’s climate efforts. India is expanding electric vehicles, metro rail, railway electrification and dedicated freight infrastructure to support cleaner and more efficient transport.

Electric Vehicles

Electric mobility has expanded significantly in India over the past decade. The rise in EV sales is part of the country’s efforts to promote cleaner mobility.

  • EV sales increased from around 3,000 in 2014 to 25 lakh in 2025.

Metro Rail

Metro rail has expanded across Indian cities, providing an alternative to private vehicles for urban travel. The growth of metro networks has also increased the reach of public transport.

Before 2014:

  • Metro networks existed in 5 cities.

  • The total network was less than 250 km.

Currently:

  • India has 1,000+ km of metro network.

  • It covers 20 cities.

Railways and freight transport

Railway electrification and dedicated freight corridors are important parts of India’s transport infrastructure. These measures can help reduce dependence on conventional fuels and improve the movement of goods.

  • 100% railway electrification has been achieved.

  • Inland waterways have expanded.

  • Around 3,000 km of Dedicated Freight Corridor has been completed.

  • These measures are aimed at reducing fuel consumption.

Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy is also being expanded as India looks to increase its electricity generation capacity. Nuclear power is being discussed alongside other low-carbon energy sources. PM Modi highlighted the opposition faced by some government nuclear initiatives through court cases. This reflects the wider challenge of balancing clean-energy expansion with environmental concerns.

India’s Global Environmental Initiatives

India has also promoted international cooperation on renewable energy, biofuels and biodiversity. These initiatives provide platforms for countries to work together on common environmental challenges.

Watch : Carbon Emission Responsibility

International Solar Alliance (ISA)

The International Solar Alliance focuses on the promotion of solar energy. It aims to strengthen international cooperation in the solar energy sector.

Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA)

The Global Biofuel Alliance focuses on cooperation in biofuels. It brings countries together to promote cooperation in this area.

International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

The International Big Cat Alliance focuses on big-cat conservation and biodiversity protection. It supports international cooperation for the conservation of big-cat species.

Climate Justice and Developing Countries

Climate change is also linked with questions of Equity and Efficiency. Developing countries have to address climate impacts while continuing to meet their development needs.

Key issues include:

  • Differences in per-capita emissions.

  • Development needs of developing countries.

  • Climate impacts faced by vulnerable countries.

  • Support through the loss and damage fund under the UN climate framework.

Role of Judiciary in Environmental Governance

The judiciary has an important role in dealing with environmental issues. Courts are increasingly looking at the relationship between environmental protection, development and climate-related rights.

CJI Surya Kant highlighted the changing approach of courts towards environmental issues.

From Conservation vs Development to Sustainable Development

The traditional debate often looked at conservation and development as competing goals. The focus is now increasingly on finding ways to balance development with environmental protection.

The debate is no longer simply:

  • Conservation vs Development

Instead, the focus should be on:

  • Harmonising conservation and development.

  • Making development sustainable.

Environmental Rights and Climate-related Rights

Climate change is also bringing new questions about rights and human well-being. Environmental protection is closely connected with people’s health, livelihoods and quality of life.

CJI Surya Kant highlighted the shift from:

  • Environmental rights

  • towards climate-related rights

He also emphasised that the environment is closely connected with human well-being.

NGT and Sustainable Development

The National Green Tribunal plays an important role in India’s environmental governance. The conference brought together major constitutional and environmental institutions to discuss climate change and sustainable development.

The conference included:

  • Chief Justice of India Surya Kant

  • Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav

  • Attorney General R. Venkataramani

  • NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava

Sustainable Development vs Unsustainable Development

The discussion focused on the need to combine development with environmental protection. Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav stated that the real choice is not between development and the environment.

He stated that the real choice is:

  • Sustainable Development vs Unsustainable Development.

Biodiversity Conservation

Climate action also includes protecting biodiversity and wildlife. India has several important species that require conservation and protection of their habitats.

India’s environmental efforts also include protection of:

  • Tigers

  • Elephants

  • Lions

  • Great Indian Bustard

  • Vultures

Conclusion

India’s climate approach includes renewable energy expansion, clean mobility, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. The NGT conference also highlighted the importance of climate justice, differences in per-capita emissions and the growing role of the judiciary in environmental governance.