Climate action: India and the LiFE force

As our planet steadily freewheels through dangerous milestones, India has risen to the opportunity for climate leadership. At the Conference of Parties (COP) 26 in Glasgow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the concept of Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) to pave the way for the emergence of a Pro Planet People. Promoting LiFE resolves the competing objectives of development and sustainability. It pushes industries to internalize sustainability while people practice mindful consumption. The idea gained traction in international climate forums, but what exactly does LiFE mean for a country like India? How can we lead the campaign for climate adaptation, and what are the high impact pillars we should focus on to tailor India's Lifestyle for the Environment?

The onus of implementing sustainable policy can no longer be doled out to states alone. As per the Human Development Report 2020, people are least likely to adopt sustainable food practices like eating less meat or replacing dairy products with alternatives. Most recent data released by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) shows that 31% of GHG emissions originate from the agri-food industry. In India, there is also a dual challenge of eliminating nutritional poverty while promoting mindful consumption to reduce the carbon footprint and wastage in the food sector. Additionally, the role of lifestyle changes in food, fashion and transport and their impact on climate change is not given due attention. The penetration of electric cars in the country is commendable, and India should position itself in the global value chain as a manufacturer. Almost all Indian states provide incentives to promote electric mobility, and states like Andhra, Karnataka and Gujarat have endorsed Electric Vehicle Policy at the state level. In the long run, a thrust towards modernizing public transport and easing mobility in urban areas is crucial to reducing congestion in cities. Ultimately upcoming and well-developed cities should consider redesigning spaces to eliminate the need for a work-home commute. There are health and economic benefits if we could all walk to work while breathing non-polluted air.

Climate conscious infrastructure and schemes in India are rapidly growing. Globally, the cost of sustainable technology, like solar panels and batteries, has fallen by 85% in the last decade. The efficiency of state infrastructure should be complemented with efficient consumption practices in the household. Renewable energy has gained celebrity status in sustainable development, and India is already geared up for a transition to clean energy. India's renewable energy capacity has grown by 286% in the last seven years alone and currently stands at roughly 152 Giga Watts. Now it is time to shift the focus toward the even distribution of its benefits. While states like Gujarat, Karnataka and Goa are leaders in the transition, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Jharkhand lag behind this effort. Scattered outcomes cannot drive the movement for LiFE, and all states should have their energy policy to enhance renewable energy capacity efficiently.

Water management is one of the sectors that require urgent attention. Only 12 states in the country have above 50% access to water. Groundwater is overexploited, and currently, 54,637 habitations have quality affected groundwater. This water is extensively used for irrigation and household purposes and is contaminated with fluoride, heavy metals, arsenic and nitrates. Strengthening water treatment infrastructure is, therefore, as important as providing access. Agriculture consumes 70% of India's water resources. Expanding water-saving initiatives like micro-irrigation capacity in states should be an urgent effort. The point to note is that installing functional connections alone cannot solve an impending water crisis; only simultaneous interventions for agriculture, water treatment, and access can indemnify India's water security.

India is being battered by heatwaves and a nationwide power crisis affecting life, livelihood and mobility. Climate concerns are no longer regionally exclusive, but our solutions should be context-dependent and socially inclusive. Every Indian state has something unique to offer, be it Sikkim's burgeoning organic farms, Meghalaya's inspiring water management or Kerala's impeccable waste management. There is a bounty of climate innovations and indigenous knowledge at the grassroots, and our states can leverage this regional wealth for successful climate leadership.

Emissions in the country will rise as we develop, but India can still be on track to reduce the carbon intensity of its economy to 45% in 2030 if Indian's embrace LiFE. It is also in the interest of the country's economy and society to unify its development decisions with climate decisions. If not, the ramifications of climate change will undercut any development efforts for the future. Some say that we are blighted by the values of our times and have gone too far. However, climate change is synonymous with behavioral change. High impact behaviors like mindful food consumption, reducing wastage, and prudent travel will make LiFE a people's movement. The Prime Ministers call for action has given us a platform for sustainable living. The question to ask now is how willing are we to assume responsible stewardship of this planet?


Amit Kapoor is chair, Institute for Competitiveness; visiting scholar and lecturer at Stanford University. Meenakshi Ajith is researcher, Institute for Competitiveness.