Considering India is the “seventh” most vulnerable country to climate change, the Economic Survey on Friday emphasised on climate adaptation strategies on an “urgent footing” as emissions impose huge costs on already resource-constrained countries.

While greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are a global bad and the benefits of mitigation are diffused, vulnerable developing countries such as India have to bear a disproportionate burden of climate change and have no choice but to face the climate change consequence of historical emissions.

“Hence, vulnerable developing countries such as India need to undertake climate adaptation on an urgent footing as this has a direct impact on lives, livelihoods and the economy,” it has suggested.

The increase in adaptation expenditures from 3.7 per cent to 5.6 per cent of GDP between FY16 and FY22 indicates the prominence adaptation and building resilience play in the development strategy, it noted.

Adaptation Strategies

The Survey pointed out that implementing effective adaptation strategies will necessitate a multi-faceted approach that includes policy initiatives, sector-specific strategies, development of resilient infrastructure, research and development, and securing financial resources for adaptation efforts.

Besides, these adaptation measures should be tailored to regional specificities, given India’s significant diversity of geographic and agro-climatic conditions, it added.

For instance, heat and water stress can negatively impact yields, posing challenges for India’s food security.

Adaptation strategies in agriculture have included enhanced focus on R&D for climate-resilient seeds, measures to preserve and enhance groundwater resources, improve soil health, and modify cropping practices are some measures.

Similarly, with increasing urbanisation and its impact on climate change impacts, a comprehensive adaptation action addressing heat stress, urban flooding, and depleting groundwater in cities is gaining focus.

Consequently, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has introduced an assessment framework for cities to evaluate climate-relevant parameters, helping them adopt and share best practices.

India’s 7,600 km long coastline and many islands make adaptation in the coastal region particularly important. Adaptation action in coastal regions can include planting and sustaining mangroves, building sea walls and artificial reefs, beach nourishment, dune planting, sand bypassing, etc, the survey said.

Energy security

Lessons learnt from the experiences of developed economies caution against shutting down thermal energy without adequate technological alternatives that allow a stable energy supply, the survey opined.

India is uniquely positioned in terms of its growing energy requirements. It should decisively leverage its best resources, advanced technologies, and expertise to accelerate its journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047 while ensuring a low-carbon pathway, it suggested.

Following this critical milestone, the nation must pursue its ambitious goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2070.

“This will demand innovative strategies and strong implementation plans to confront climate challenges while ensuring sustainable development takes centre stage. Innovation and investment in addressing the problems related to renewable energy - battery storage, grid infrastructure and critical minerals - must be the focus in the short to medium term,” it recommended.

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