The human brain and hands are in a continuous quest for efficient results but the matter of our heart is slightly different. Our heart is known to chase peace and…
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The fifth phase of India’s general election is over and the electoral rhetoric of both the major parties, i.e., the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian National Congress, have conspicuously side-lined one of the most critical issues of our times — climate change. This omission is particularly stark against the backdrop of global environmental crises and the pressing demands for sustainable development.
Recent events, such as environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk’s outcry over ecological degradation in Ladakh — underscoring the urgency of integrating robust climate action into national policy frameworks — shows us how critical climate mitigation and adaptation has become and its urgent need to become political, especially for electoral politics. Despite Mr. Wangchuk’s calls for environmental security in the region, which resonated widely among the people of Ladakh, and then, subsequently, on social media, the response from the Modi government has been muted. This lack of response is symptomatic of a larger political reluctance to engage with environmental issues as central electoral themes.
A calculated omission
The reluctance of both the BJP and Congress to foreground climate change in their electoral platforms is not just a matter of oversight but a calculated omission. Integrating serious climate action into their political agendas would entail acknowledging and addressing the trade-offs between rapid industrial growth and environmental sustainability. Such acknowledgment could alienate powerful industrial constituencies and disrupt the economic status quo, which heavily relies on fossil fuels and high-emission industries.
This strategic avoidance plays out in the manifestos, where climate policies, if mentioned, are vague and lack commitment to specific, measurable actions. For instance, the Congress party’s manifesto has a chapter, ‘Environment Protection and Climate Change Authority’ and proposes a ‘Green New Deal Investment Programme’ without clear directives or commitments to specific reductions in carbon emissions. Similarly, the BJP’s manifesto praises past initiatives but fails to propose forward-looking strategies that align with the global scientific consensus, which calls for immediate and drastic action to mitigate climate change impacts.
The absence of detailed climate action plans in these manifestos reflects a broader trend in Indian politics where short-term economic gains are often prioritised over long-term environmental sustainability. That said, we must remember India’s vulnerability to climate impacts, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and severe air pollution, which pose significant threats to its population and economy. Moreover, the silence on climate change in electoral discussions sends a disheartening message to educated, middle-class voters, who are increasingly aware of and concerned about global environmental issues. This demographic, capable of influencing policy through public opinion and voting power, I believe, seeks more than just token mentions of sustainability. They demand actionable plans that ensure that India not only meets its international commitments under agreements such as the Paris Agreement but also adopts a leadership role in global climate advocacy.
Why, then, is there such a glaring gap between the needs of the electorate and the political offerings? Part of the reason lies in the perceived political cost of ambitious climate policies. Comprehensive climate strategies may require tough decisions, such as phasing out coal, increasing taxes or prices on carbon emissions, and enforcing stringent environmental regulations — measures that could be unpopular in the short run despite their long-term benefits.
What we have now
Currently, the National Action Plan on Climate Change serves as the overarching guiding body for India’s climate policy efforts that are spread across several policy documents, sector-specific strategies, and laws. In 2023, some very important policy documents and laws covering the energy sector emerged, which included the National Electricity Plan 2023, the National Green Hydrogen Mission and the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022. These documents and laws play a crucial role in shaping the energy landscape. That said, one must note that the Indian leadership has shown no commitments in phasing out coal. These policies, however, are top-down in nature; these are being made by the top brass, based on international trends and immediate requirements. India, as a nation, is still lacking a considerable number of citizens who demand corrective policies to ensure climate policies and actions, as a bottom-up approach.
The Climate Action Tracker (developed by Climate Analytics, an independent global climate science and policy institute with an office in Berlin) gives India an overall rating of “Highly Insufficient” in its policies and actions tracking, based on 2030 projections. That said, there is more that the central and various other State governments can do. States or regions that are on the frontline of vulnerability need to develop plans that bring India’s projection below 2-degree pre-industrial levels. A good example of comprehensive climate policymaking in India would be the Mumbai Climate Action plan developed by the Mumbai municipality, in collaboration with the C40 and the World Resources Institute.
In contrast to the complex web of climate bodies in India, we have a silver lining that should mark the beginning of climate jurisprudence in our country: M.K. Ranjitsinh and Others vs Union of India, where in March 2024, the Supreme Court of India ruled that the people of India have the right to be free from the adverse effects of climate change by drawing upon Article 21 and Article 14 of the Indian Constitution. This opens up many government sector bodies working on climate policies and action to much-needed legal scrutiny and makes them answerable to citizens.
The challenge
So, what now? The challenge for India, therefore, is to bridge this gap between electoral politics and climate policy. It requires a shift in political calculations, where long-term environmental and social gains are valued over immediate economic benefits. And, the media and civil society have pivotal roles in this transformation. By consistently highlighting the inadequacies in the current political discourse on climate change, they can drive a narrative that places environmental sustainability at the heart of India’s development agenda.
The 2024 general election presents a critical opportunity for Indian voters, especially the informed and increasing middle class, to demand that their leaders take a more proactive and committed stance on climate change. This means not only voting with an eye towards policies that promise immediate benefits but also supporting those that promise sustainable growth and environmental security. The electorate must push for a paradigm shift in how climate policy is integrated into the broader national development strategies, ensuring that the progress made today does not come at the expense of tomorrow’s security.
As India stands at this electoral crossroads, the choices made will resonate far beyond the immediate political cycle, influencing the global fight against climate change and the future of sustainable development worldwide.
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Question 1 of 20
1. Question
1. What rhetorical technique does the author use to emphasize the urgency of climate action in the political discourse?
CorrectIncorrect -
Question 2 of 20
2. Question
2. Which statement best captures the passage’s view on the political handling of climate change in India?
CorrectIncorrect -
Question 3 of 20
3. Question
3. The passage implies that the current political strategies regarding climate change are primarily influenced by what?
CorrectIncorrect -
Question 4 of 20
4. Question
4. What does the passage suggest is necessary to elevate the priority of climate policies in political agendas?
CorrectIncorrect -
Question 5 of 20
5. Question
5. The author likely believes that addressing climate change in political platforms would require what from political leaders?
CorrectIncorrect -
Question 6 of 20
6. Question
6. Which assumption is essential for the argument that addressing climate change should be a central theme in electoral politics?
CorrectIncorrect -
Question 7 of 20
7. Question
7. If it were shown that significant voter demographics prioritize economic growth over environmental sustainability, how would this impact the argument that climate change should be central to political agendas?
CorrectIncorrect -
Question 8 of 20
8. Question
8.What inference is most supported by the discussion of political reluctance to integrate climate policies?
CorrectIncorrect -
Question 9 of 20
9. Question
9. Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the argument for more aggressive climate policies in political platforms?
CorrectIncorrect -
Question 10 of 20
10. Question
10. What paradox does the passage highlight about the political handling of climate change?
CorrectIncorrect -
Question 11 of 20
11. Question
11. What contradiction does the passage suggest exists within the political discourse on climate change?
CorrectIncorrect -
Question 12 of 20
12. Question
12.Based on the passage, which conclusion about the role of media in climate politics is most supported?
CorrectIncorrect -
Question 13 of 20
13. Question
13. Which recent international summit focused significantly on climate change and saw participation from India, reflecting the themes discussed in the passage?
CorrectIncorrect -
Question 14 of 20
14. Question
14. What recent policy initiative by an Indian state mirrors the central government’s approach as critiqued in the passage?
CorrectIncorrect -
Question 15 of 20
15. Question
15. Following the passage’s themes, which Indian city recently announced a comprehensive climate action plan aimed at drastically reducing its carbon footprint by 2030?
CorrectIncorrect -
Question 16 of 20
16. Question
16. In line with the critique of political action on climate change in the passage, which global agreement is India a part of that commits to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions?
CorrectIncorrect -
Question 17 of 20
17. Question
17. Which Indian environmental NGO has been notably active in lobbying for stronger climate policies, resonating with the concerns expressed in the passage?
CorrectIncorrect -
Question 18 of 20
18. Question
18.As per the discussions in the passage, what recent legal development could influence future climate policy in India?
CorrectIncorrect -
Question 19 of 20
19. Question
19. Which recent international report criticized India for its insufficient climate action, aligning with the critique in the passage?
CorrectIncorrect -
Question 20 of 20
20. Question
20. What innovative policy was introduced by the Indian government in response to climate change that focuses on reducing dependence on fossil fuels and promoting renewable energy?
CorrectIncorrect
The fifth phase of India’s general election is over and the electoral rhetoric of both the major parties, i.e., the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian National Congress, have conspicuously side-lined one of the most critical issues of our times — climate change. This omission is particularly stark against the backdrop of global environmental crises and the pressing demands for sustainable development.
Recent events, such as environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk’s outcry over ecological degradation in Ladakh — underscoring the urgency of integrating robust climate action into national policy frameworks — shows us how critical climate mitigation and adaptation has become and its urgent need to become political, especially for electoral politics. Despite Mr. Wangchuk’s calls for environmental security in the region, which resonated widely among the people of Ladakh, and then, subsequently, on social media, the response from the Modi government has been muted. This lack of response is symptomatic of a larger political reluctance to engage with environmental issues as central electoral themes.
A calculated omission
The reluctance of both the BJP and Congress to foreground climate change in their electoral platforms is not just a matter of oversight but a calculated omission. Integrating serious climate action into their political agendas would entail acknowledging and addressing the trade-offs between rapid industrial growth and environmental sustainability. Such acknowledgment could alienate powerful industrial constituencies and disrupt the economic status quo, which heavily relies on fossil fuels and high-emission industries.
This strategic avoidance plays out in the manifestos, where climate policies, if mentioned, are vague and lack commitment to specific, measurable actions. For instance, the Congress party’s manifesto has a chapter, ‘Environment Protection and Climate Change Authority’ and proposes a ‘Green New Deal Investment Programme’ without clear directives or commitments to specific reductions in carbon emissions. Similarly, the BJP’s manifesto praises past initiatives but fails to propose forward-looking strategies that align with the global scientific consensus, which calls for immediate and drastic action to mitigate climate change impacts.
The absence of detailed climate action plans in these manifestos reflects a broader trend in Indian politics where short-term economic gains are often prioritised over long-term environmental sustainability. That said, we must remember India’s vulnerability to climate impacts, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and severe air pollution, which pose significant threats to its population and economy. Moreover, the silence on climate change in electoral discussions sends a disheartening message to educated, middle-class voters, who are increasingly aware of and concerned about global environmental issues. This demographic, capable of influencing policy through public opinion and voting power, I believe, seeks more than just token mentions of sustainability. They demand actionable plans that ensure that India not only meets its international commitments under agreements such as the Paris Agreement but also adopts a leadership role in global climate advocacy.
Why, then, is there such a glaring gap between the needs of the electorate and the political offerings? Part of the reason lies in the perceived political cost of ambitious climate policies. Comprehensive climate strategies may require tough decisions, such as phasing out coal, increasing taxes or prices on carbon emissions, and enforcing stringent environmental regulations — measures that could be unpopular in the short run despite their long-term benefits.
What we have now
Currently, the National Action Plan on Climate Change serves as the overarching guiding body for India’s climate policy efforts that are spread across several policy documents, sector-specific strategies, and laws. In 2023, some very important policy documents and laws covering the energy sector emerged, which included the National Electricity Plan 2023, the National Green Hydrogen Mission and the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022. These documents and laws play a crucial role in shaping the energy landscape. That said, one must note that the Indian leadership has shown no commitments in phasing out coal. These policies, however, are top-down in nature; these are being made by the top brass, based on international trends and immediate requirements. India, as a nation, is still lacking a considerable number of citizens who demand corrective policies to ensure climate policies and actions, as a bottom-up approach.
The Climate Action Tracker (developed by Climate Analytics, an independent global climate science and policy institute with an office in Berlin) gives India an overall rating of “Highly Insufficient” in its policies and actions tracking, based on 2030 projections. That said, there is more that the central and various other State governments can do. States or regions that are on the frontline of vulnerability need to develop plans that bring India’s projection below 2-degree pre-industrial levels. A good example of comprehensive climate policymaking in India would be the Mumbai Climate Action plan developed by the Mumbai municipality, in collaboration with the C40 and the World Resources Institute.
In contrast to the complex web of climate bodies in India, we have a silver lining that should mark the beginning of climate jurisprudence in our country: M.K. Ranjitsinh and Others vs Union of India, where in March 2024, the Supreme Court of India ruled that the people of India have the right to be free from the adverse effects of climate change by drawing upon Article 21 and Article 14 of the Indian Constitution. This opens up many government sector bodies working on climate policies and action to much-needed legal scrutiny and makes them answerable to citizens.
The challenge
So, what now? The challenge for India, therefore, is to bridge this gap between electoral politics and climate policy. It requires a shift in political calculations, where long-term environmental and social gains are valued over immediate economic benefits. And, the media and civil society have pivotal roles in this transformation. By consistently highlighting the inadequacies in the current political discourse on climate change, they can drive a narrative that places environmental sustainability at the heart of India’s development agenda.
The 2024 general election presents a critical opportunity for Indian voters, especially the informed and increasing middle class, to demand that their leaders take a more proactive and committed stance on climate change. This means not only voting with an eye towards policies that promise immediate benefits but also supporting those that promise sustainable growth and environmental security. The electorate must push for a paradigm shift in how climate policy is integrated into the broader national development strategies, ensuring that the progress made today does not come at the expense of tomorrow’s security.
As India stands at this electoral crossroads, the choices made will resonate far beyond the immediate political cycle, influencing the global fight against climate change and the future of sustainable development worldwide.
Quiz Summary
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- Current
- Review
- Answered
- Correct
- Incorrect
-
Question 1 of 20
1. Question
1. What rhetorical technique does the author use to emphasize the urgency of climate action in the political discourse?
CorrectIncorrect -
Question 2 of 20
2. Question
2. Which statement best captures the passage's view on the political handling of climate change in India?
CorrectIncorrect -
Question 3 of 20
3. Question
3. The passage implies that the current political strategies regarding climate change are primarily influenced by what?
CorrectIncorrect -
Question 4 of 20
4. Question
4. What does the passage suggest is necessary to elevate the priority of climate policies in political agendas?
CorrectIncorrect -
Question 5 of 20
5. Question
5. The author likely believes that addressing climate change in political platforms would require what from political leaders?
CorrectIncorrect -
Question 6 of 20
6. Question
6. Which assumption is essential for the argument that addressing climate change should be a central theme in electoral politics?
CorrectIncorrect -
Question 7 of 20
7. Question
7. If it were shown that significant voter demographics prioritize economic growth over environmental sustainability, how would this impact the argument that climate change should be central to political agendas?
CorrectIncorrect -
Question 8 of 20
8. Question
8.What inference is most supported by the discussion of political reluctance to integrate climate policies?
CorrectIncorrect -
Question 9 of 20
9. Question
9. Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the argument for more aggressive climate policies in political platforms?
CorrectIncorrect -
Question 10 of 20
10. Question
10. What paradox does the passage highlight about the political handling of climate change?
CorrectIncorrect -
Question 11 of 20
11. Question
11. What contradiction does the passage suggest exists within the political discourse on climate change?
CorrectIncorrect -
Question 12 of 20
12. Question
12.Based on the passage, which conclusion about the role of media in climate politics is most supported?
CorrectIncorrect -
Question 13 of 20
13. Question
13. Which recent international summit focused significantly on climate change and saw participation from India, reflecting the themes discussed in the passage?
CorrectIncorrect -
Question 14 of 20
14. Question
14. What recent policy initiative by an Indian state mirrors the central government's approach as critiqued in the passage?
CorrectIncorrect -
Question 15 of 20
15. Question
15. Following the passage's themes, which Indian city recently announced a comprehensive climate action plan aimed at drastically reducing its carbon footprint by 2030?
CorrectIncorrect -
Question 16 of 20
16. Question
16. In line with the critique of political action on climate change in the passage, which global agreement is India a part of that commits to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions?
CorrectIncorrect -
Question 17 of 20
17. Question
17. Which Indian environmental NGO has been notably active in lobbying for stronger climate policies, resonating with the concerns expressed in the passage?
CorrectIncorrect -
Question 18 of 20
18. Question
18.As per the discussions in the passage, what recent legal development could influence future climate policy in India?
CorrectIncorrect -
Question 19 of 20
19. Question
19. Which recent international report criticized India for its insufficient climate action, aligning with the critique in the passage?
CorrectIncorrect -
Question 20 of 20
20. Question
20. What innovative policy was introduced by the Indian government in response to climate change that focuses on reducing dependence on fossil fuels and promoting renewable energy?
CorrectIncorrect