Mongabay series: Climate Connections
Mongabay-India's Climate Connections project aims to raise awareness about the nuances of India’s climate actions. India is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and among the world’s biggest markets. These two factors together drive energy consumption and the use of fossil fuels. Further, the country is already witnessing a massive impact due to climate change. In such a scenario, the actions planned by the government, industry, and communities for climate change mitigation in India are of critical importance for stabilising the global climate system. As a signatory to the Paris Agreement, a legally binding international treaty on climate change, India has pledged to limit global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels. India updated its nationally determined contributions in keeping with the Paris Agreement, outlining major mitigation goals. By 2030, the country committed to reducing the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45 % of the 2005 value; generating about 50% of its power requirement from renewable sources, and creating an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent through additional forest and tree cover. These commitments, with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, are driving the trajectory of India’s growth. India is highly vulnerable to extreme weather events. The year 2020 brought in its share of climate-related calamities, including floods in many parts of the country. Cyclone Amphan that hit India and Bangladesh coasts in 2020 became the costliest cyclone on record in the northern Indian Ocean. The impacts were amplified by the coronavirus pandemic. The already slowing economy was thrown into a deep slump. These events prompted a slew of economic reforms by the Indian government, mostly focused on activities that would help adapt to the new normal, with a thrust on climate adaptation. At such a time when fresh policies are being formulated, heightened media discourse on climate action is much needed.
Insurance sector needs to redraw risk assessment framework as climate-related disasters multiply
[Interview] We are “very far” from what vulnerable communities need for climate adaptation, says Adaptation Fund head
COP28 deal promises to ‘transition away’ from fossil fuels but finance and equity concerns remain
Consensus among parties far-off as COP28 comes to a close
Key outcome on climate adaptation deadlocked at COP28
Developed countries need to deepen emissions cuts to meet global climate goals, say experts
Resurrecting khadeen, the ancient water harvesting structure of Rajasthan
Conflict, peace and Palestine make an impression at COP28
[Interview] Climate change talks do not take nature into consideration in its economics: Partha Dasgupta
Dubai climate summit puts food on high table for first time, India stays away
Analysing the history of the Indian Ocean with past cruise records and sediment cores
COP28 launches loss and damage fund, but pledges are a drop in the ocean
FAO estimates $12.7 trillion worth hidden costs in the journey of food from farm to table
Loss and damage, climate action stocktake, fossil fuel phase out among key issues at COP28
[Interview] Unpacking WTO’s involvement in trade and environment negotiation at COP28 with Abhijit Das
Navigating trade and the role of WTO at COP28
Dachigam National Park at risk as forest cover, natural habitat reduces, reveals study
Emerging economies need carbon space to achieve decent living standards and net-zero emissions
More tourists, more garbage in Leh
Special series
Wetland Champions
- [Commentary] India establishes the largest network of Ramsar Sites in South Asia
- [Commentary] Wetland champions: Promise from the grassroots
- The story of Jakkur lake sets an example for inclusive rejuvenation projects
- Welcome to Tsomgo lake: Please don’t litter
Environment And Health
- Stitching sustainability amidst climate change challenges
- Gujarat bans exotic Conocarpus tree amid health and environment hazard
- Malaria-carrying mosquitoes shift homes from forests to rice fields
- [Commentary] Neglecting household biomedical waste management can lead to adverse environmental effects
India's Iconic Landscapes
- Saving India’s wild ‘unicorns’
- Indrella ampulla’s genetic tapestry unveils colour morphs isolated across the Palghat Gap
- [Commentary] Up close and personal with the fragility of the Himalayas
- Studies reveal impact of land use on species diversity in rock outcrops
Beyond Protected Areas
- Rehabilitating trafficked star tortoises using genetic intelligence
- [Interview] Richie Mehta on addressing the elephant in the room in ‘Poacher’
- Scientists leap beyond Latin to give local flair to species names
- Deaths in human-animal conflict in Wayanad spark protests and debates
Conserving Agro-biodiversity
- [Commentary] GROW with agroforestry, a step towards sustainable land management
- Millet tradition loses flavour among Madhya Pradesh’s tribals
- A village nurtures traditional food systems in response to climate change
- Rising air pollution impacts India’s crop yields and food security
Just Transitions
- How unplanned coal mine closures in India are affecting dependent communities, especially women
- Green Credit Scheme’s ‘methodology’ doesn’t inspire confidence among experts
- Conflict over critical mineral prospecting in Odisha signals need for better community involvement
- Fuel leak in Manipur raises concerns over water contamination