India's climate strategy struggles despite clean energy progress

India is struggling to meet its climate goals despite efforts in clean energy. The country is trying to balance its economic growth with sustainability, but there are issues in areas like climate resilience, water security, and financing for green projects. The Indian government has allocated funds to improve its nuclear energy capacity, aiming for 100 GW by 2047. However, many nuclear projects from previous announcements remain stalled, raising doubts about safety and funding. Critics suggest that investing more in solar and wind energy may yield better results. Solar energy has received significant funding, but progress varies across states. Some states, like Gujarat, are leading in solar installations, while others face challenges. Climate adaptation efforts are lacking. The National Adaptation Fund did not receive any funding in the latest budget. Agriculture, which is crucial to the economy, is particularly vulnerable to climate change. The budget did not address important farmer needs, including irrigation and protection against crop failures. The budget increase for environmental agencies is minor, given the significant pollution problems the country faces. Water security is another major issue. India has severe water shortages and contaminated water sources, but the budget did not propose comprehensive reforms. Urban areas need better management, including smart water systems and rainwater harvesting, which were not prioritized in the budget. India's ongoing reliance on fossil fuels undermines its energy transition. Despite growth in clean energy investments, subsidies for coal and petroleum remain high. Increased funding for coal contradicts the country’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions. A functioning carbon market is missing, making it difficult for industries to be incentivized to cut emissions. Although there have been initiatives for green financing, broader strategies are lacking, and regulations around environmental commitments are weak. For India to advance its green transition, it needs a unified strategy. Recommendations include focusing on funding for climate adaptation, improving water management, creating a robust carbon pricing system, enhancing green finance, and reducing fossil fuel subsidies. Without bold reforms, India risks not achieving its climate goals.