2024 Election Manifestos: A Stark Climate Omission by BJP and Congress!
India's general election has now completed its fifth phase, and both major political parties, including the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress, have notably neglected to address one of the most crucial issues of our era - climate change. This lack of inclusion stands out even more when looking at the current global environmental crises and the urgent need for sustainable development.
The recent outcry from environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk about ecological degradation in Ladakh highlights the importance of integrating strong climate action into national policies. This demonstrates how crucial it is for climate mitigation and adaptation to be a priority in political agendas, especially in the context of elections.
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| Mr. Sonam Wangchuk Protesting against Climate Change in Ladakh |
Despite Mr. Wangchuk's widely supported advocacy for environmental security in Ladakh, both locally and on social media, the Modi government's response has been minimal. The failure to respond is indicative of a broader political hesitance to address environmental issues as key topics in elections.
Both the BJP and Congress deliberately chose not to prioritize climate change in their electoral platforms, rather than it being an accidental oversight. Incorporating significant measures to address climate change into their political platforms would require recognizing and dealing with the balance between fast industrial development and environmental preservation. Recognition of this could potentially cause powerful industrial groups to feel upset upon the existing economic balance, as it heavily depends on fossil fuels and high-emission industries.
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| A.I generated image |
The lack of specific climate action plans in these political platforms is indicative of a trend in Indian politics, where immediate economic benefits are typically given precedence over long-term environmental sustainability. It is important to keep in mind that India is highly susceptible to the effects of climate change, such as increasing sea levels, extreme weather conditions, and severe air pollution, all of which present major threats to its people and economy. In addition, the lack of mention of climate change in political debates is disheartening for educated voters who are becoming more aware and worried about worldwide environmental issues. This group, which has the ability to influence policy through public opinion and voting power, is looking for more than just superficial references to sustainability. They are calling for practical strategies to ensure that India not only fulfils its international obligations as outlined in agreements like the Paris Agreement but also takes on a leading role in advocating for global climate action.
In order to create effective climate strategies, difficult choices might be necessary. This could include ending the use of coal, raising taxes or prices on carbon emissions, and implementing strict environmental regulations. Although these measures may not be popular at first, they will bring long-term benefits.
At present, the National Action Plan on Climate Change is the main authority guiding India's climate policy initiatives, which are outlined in various policy documents, sector-specific strategies, and laws. In 2023, several significant policy papers and legislation related to the energy industry were introduced, such as the National Electricity Plan 2023, the National Green Hydrogen Mission, and the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022. The energy landscape is significantly influenced by these documents and laws. Having said that, it is important to mention that the Indian government has not demonstrated any determination to reduce the use of coal. These policies are top-down in nature, as they are being developed by the senior leadership in response to international trends and immediate needs. India, as a country, still has a significant number of citizens who are advocating for the implementation of corrective policies to address climate issues, using a bottom-up approach.
The Climate Action Tracker (developed by Climate Analytics, an independent global mate 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. With that being said, the central government and other State governments have the potential to do more. States or regions that are particularly susceptible to climate change must create strategies to reduce India's emissions to less than 2 degrees above pre-industrial levels. The Mumbai Climate Action plan, created by the Mumbai municipality in partnership with C40 and the World Resources Institute, is a prime illustration of comprehensive climate policy development in India.
Unlike the complex network of climate organizations in India, there is a positive aspect that could be the starting point for the development of climate-related laws in our country: M.K. In March 2024, the Supreme Court of India ruled in the case of Ranjitsinh and Others vs Union of India that the people of India are entitled to protection from the negative impacts of climate change, based on Article 21 and Article 14 of the Indian Constitution. This exposes numerous government agencies responsible for climate policies and initiatives to necessary legal examination and holds them accountable to the public.
What's next? So, the challenge for India is to minimise the gap between electoral politics and climate policy. There needs to be a change in political thinking, prioritizing long-term environmental and social progress over short-term economic advantages. The transformation relies heavily on the media and civil society playing key roles. By continuously pointing out the shortcomings in the current political discussions about climate change, they can shape a story that prioritizes environmental sustainability in India's development plans.
The upcoming 2024 general election is a crucial chance for Indian voters, particularly the knowledgeable and growing middle class, to urge their leaders to adopt a more active and dedicated position on climate change. This implies not only casting your vote based on policies that offer immediate advantages, but also backing those that ensure long-term growth and environmental protection. The public needs to advocate for a fundamental change in how climate policy is incorporated into the overall national development plans, making sure that the advancements achieved today do not hinder future security.
As India reaches a critical point in its election, the decisions made will have a ripple effect that goes beyond just the current political cycle, impacting the international efforts to combat climate change and the long-term prospects for sustainable development across the globe.
