Indian Council of World Affairs

Introduction 

Climate change poses a serious threat to our planet and demands an urgent, globally collaborative effort to work towards its mitigation and limit the damage it is causing to our environment. So far, the world’s response to this issue has been regarded as unrewarding and has received widespread criticism.[i] The historical contribution of the developed countries to climate degradation and emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG), owing to their extensive industrialisation and economic expansion, is considered the root cause of this challenge.[ii] However, despite having the capability to lead the climate change mitigation struggle, these developed and industrialised countries have been unable to lead a positive change and work efficiently towards environmental sustainability.[iii] Furthermore, these countries have not fulfilled the commitments made on supporting climate action in developing countries through financial and technical means. 

The vulnerable communities of the developing countries in the Global South are disproportionately affected by the climate crises due to their insufficiency in adequately funding comprehensive mitigation and adaptation programs.[iv] India, considered the voice of the Global South, is an integral part in the global conversation on mitigating the effects of climate change. Its strategy for addressing climate change has significant consequences for international attempts to reduce GHG emissions. 

Its diverse climate zones, terrain and ecosystems make it particularly sensitive to climate change-induced hazards such as disasters, epidemics, crop failures, loss of livelihoods and biodiversity, poverty and displacement, among other dangers.[v] According to the Global Climate Risk Index 2021, India is the seventh most affected country[vi], while another study indicates that 17 out of 20 Indians are at risk of severe hydrological and meteorological disasters and extreme weather events caused by climate change.[vii] However, India has adopted steps to balance the consequences of climate change and its mitigation and adaptation requirements domestically. It has a very low historical cumulative carbon dioxide (CO2) emission contribution and per capita emission, amounting to only three per cent and 1.9t CO2 per person, respectively.[viii] Hence, despite the challenges, India has been steady with its progress in addressing climate change-induced challenges. 

At the COP-28 Summit in 2023, Prime Minister Modi stated, “India is one of the few economies in the world that is on track to meet the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets. We have already achieved non-fossil fuel targets related to emissions intensity 11 years ago. We have achieved non-fossil fuel target nine years ahead of schedule. And, India has not stopped at this. Our target is to reduce emissions intensity by 45 percent by 2030. We have decided that we will increase the share of non-fossil fuel to 50 percent”.[ix] This showcased India’s dedication to reduce emission intensity and moving towards the net zero goal by 2070.[x]

Furthermore, India has consistently advocated for proactive measures to address climate change on the global stage, emphasising the interconnectedness of human well-being and the environment. In 2023, when India assumed the presidency of the G20, its theme for the period of leadership was ‘one earth, one family, one future’.[xi] The theme resonated with India’s emphasis on the idea that human life throughout the world is interlinked. Thus, the necessity of a collective global effort to address the challenges in our society is paramount. At the G20 Summit, India laid special emphasis on the need to confront climate change collectively. India deems that it is necessary to promote universal participation in initiatives aimed at promoting environmental health.[xii] The country underscores the principle that collective engagement is essential for the welfare of the world, highlighting the inseparable relationship between people and the planet. Therefore, this paper seeks to highlight the climate change mitigation and adaptation initiatives launched by India to address the issue of climate change and discuss how India has been successful in its pursuit of inviting other countries to join these initiatives to turn them into global collaborative efforts. 

India-led Climate Change Mitigation Initiatives at the Global Stage 

Understanding the necessity and significance of collective approaches to make the best use of available renewable energy resources, India has initiated and led several climate change mitigation initiatives at the international level. Following initiatives of India are specially designed to address specific resources and opportunities for cooperation. 

International Solar Alliance (ISA) 

The idea of the International Solar Alliance was conceived by India as a cooperative network of solar-rich countries. In 2015, at the Paris Climate Conference, India and France jointly announced the ISA as an alliance to boost the production of renewable energy with the help of solar power.[xiii] The ISA was formed as a collaboration among nations within the Torrid Zone, encompassing regions between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, where sunlight is abundant and there’s good potential to generate solar power.[xiv] The alliance initially witnessed the participation of mostly tropical countries. However, during its First General Assembly in October 2018, an amendment to the ISA's Framework Agreement was made, which universalised its membership and opened participation to all United Nations member states. Presently, the ISA has 116 countries as signatories to the main legal text, of which 94 have become full-fledged members.[xv]

The ISA operates through nine dedicated programmes centred on its overarching priority areas. These programmes include Affordable Finance at Scale, Scaling Solar Applications for Agricultural Use (SSAAU), Solarising Heating and Cooling Systems, Scaling Solar Mini-Grids, Scaling Solar Rooftops, Scaling Solar E-Mobility & Storage, Solar Park, Solar for Green Hydrogen and Solar Battery and Waste Management.[xvi] Through its inclusive approach and strategic focus on promoting solar energy across various sectors, the ISA plays a pivotal role in advancing global efforts to combat climate change and transition towards renewable energy sources. By leveraging the solar capacity of its member countries and fostering collaboration among nations, the ISA endeavours to accelerate the adoption of solar energy technologies and drive sustainable development on a global scale.[xvii]

One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) 

To supplement the idea of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), PM Modi proposed the One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) initiative at the ISA Assembly in 2018[xviii]. It gained further momentum with its launch during the COP26 World Leaders' Summit in 2021.[xix] Endorsed by over 80 countries, the OSOWOG initiative sought to connect the networks of energy supply globally and assist in the development of interconnected electricity grids beyond national borders.[xx] By enhancing and easing access to energy with the help of mini-grids and off-grid solutions, this initiative hopes to facilitate an accelerated transition to a clean-powered future.[xxi]

The initiative aims to foster global collaboration and interconnectivity based on three key engagement pillars: political engagement, institutional engagement and research and knowledge sharing. The first seeks to build trust between participating countries through political engagement driven by representative individuals or groups from each region. The second aims to facilitate engagement between international institutions in the financial and technical sectors, led by a joint committee comprising the ISA and other multilateral stakeholders. The third focuses on sharing knowledge and information in international peer-to-peer learning networks of regulators and grid operators.[xxii] This way, the collaboration between governments and businesses under the OSOWOG partnership aims to enhance energy grid expansion across regions and continents, paving the way for universal access to sustainable energy. This collective endeavour seeks to develop the essential infrastructure required for global reliance on renewable energy sources, thus propelling forward the worldwide initiative for a clean energy transition.[xxiii]

Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT)

Another initiative working specifically towards clean energy transition is the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT). LeadIT was launched at the UN Secretary-General’s Climate Action Summit in New York in 2019 and was deemed a mechanism to achieve a climate-safe industrial transition.[xxiv] The effort was initiated by the governments of Sweden and India with support from the World Economic Forum (WEF) and represents the first global high-level initiative targeting net-zero emissions from heavy industry.[xxv]

According to a study by the Stockholm Environment Institute, industries account for approximately 30% of global CO2 emissions. Therefore, significant emission reductions are required to meet the Paris Agreement target of limiting global warming to two degrees in this sector.[xxvi] Further noting that decarbonisation efforts by industries are undertaken mainly in developed nations, LeadIT hopes to address challenges unique to developing countries facing the brunt of increasing industrial emissions.[xxvii] To achieve this transition, LeadIT facilitates collaboration between public and private sector players in the form of high-level dialogues, meetings between decarbonisation specialists, enhancing processes with scientific tools and tracking decarbonisation plans and investments in heavy industry sectors. 

One of the most important components of LeadIT’s approach is the Industry Transition Tracker, an online database of industry performances and progress towards a positive transition at a national scale.[xxviii] The Tracker showcases a concise overview of the industry’s progress, specifically in achieving the net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050. It largely helps to monitor the status of change in various countries and visualise transitions in heavy industry sectors.[xxix] With the help of this approach, LeadIT seeks to create a collaborative policy network, enhance financial flows and share best practices to accelerate the transition to sustainable industrial practices. 

Global Biofuels Alliance 

Understanding the need for a greener transition, India launched the Global Biofuels Alliance at the G20 Summit in New Delhi as a priority initiative aimed at forming a global partnership to reap the climate-safe benefits of switching to biofuels.[xxx] The Alliance comprises 19 nations and 12 international organisations, including influential bodies like the World Economic Forum, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.[xxxi] The alliance also includes the world’s largest and second-largest biofuel producers, the US and Brazil, respectively.[xxxii]

Primarily aimed at accelerating the adoption of sustainable biofuels, the alliance also seeks to work towards advancing biofuel technology, increasing the utilisation of sustainable biofuels to address concerns regarding indirect land use change (ILUC) and establishing concrete standards and certification mechanisms.[xxxiii] As a knowledge hub, the alliance focuses on fostering global collaboration while ensuring secure and affordable renewable energy supplies.[xxxiv] The International Energy Agency underlines the necessity for an annual 11% increase in biofuel production throughout this decade to align with net-zero objectives, a target the Global Biofuel Alliance endeavours to achieve.[xxxv]

The Green Development Pact 

The G20 New Delhi Declaration included the Green Development Pact,[xxxvi] which aims to take up the challenges faced by the countries of the Global South in particular and bridge the gap between the north and south to work together to encourage a transition towards a greener society. The pact stands on several ideas that combine to give it shape. Firstly, it builds on the efficient resource use and sustainable consumption, which are characterised by the principles of initiatives like Lifestyles for Sustainable Development.[xxxvii] Then, it focuses on transitioning to clean and inclusive energy systems and emphasises  tripling of renewable energy capacity worldwide by 2030.[xxxviii] It further highlights the necessity of sustainable climate finance and significant investments in the clean energy sector, including the whole ambit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It recognises the role of the blue economy in climate regulation and sustainable resource management. Lastly, it also underscores the need for disaster-resilient infrastructure and the establishment of platforms like a new Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group within the G20 to avert the impact of calamities.[xxxix] These components combine to constitute the Green Development Pact, adopted by the G20 leaders to promote environmental sustainability and facilitate cooperation between nations for a greener, more resilient future. 

Mission LiFE – Lifestyle for the Environment 

The Mission LiFE initiative, presented by PM Modi at the COP26 Summit in Glasgow[xl], has set the stage for an India-led campaign at a global level, emphasising the need for individual action to deal with climate change and its effects. He explained it as a global campaign for "mindful and deliberate utilisation, instead of mindless and destructive consumption," aimed at developing a sustainable environment.[xli] Thus, with this thoughtful vision, India included LiFE provisions and approaches to its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).[xlii]

Mission LiFE operates through a non-linear and contemporary approach and is introduced in three phases. The first phase, Change in Demand, focuses on fostering global participation in basic environmental actions in daily life. This phase aims to suggest that individuals adopt environmentally friendly practices. The second phase, Change in Supply, focuses on the adjustments in supply strategies based on individual demand shifts in the markets. The widespread adoption of eco-friendly behaviours is anticipated to prompt changes in supply, which will require procurement practices to align with the new demands. The third phase, Change in Policy, seeks to achieve the long-term objectives of Mission LiFE by targeting major shifts in industrial and government policies. By influencing demand and supply dynamics, the mission aims to promote sustainable consumption and production.[xliii] The eventual goal of Mission LiFE is to drive systemic changes in policies to foster a more sustainable future.  

At the national level, India is taking several steps to promote LiFE practices and approaches. Mission LiFE aims to nurture and promote environmentally conscious lifestyles in Indians by 2028. The country further hopes to make at least 80% of rural and urban local bodies in India adopt sustainable lifestyles by 2028.[xliv] With an action-oriented attitude, India sets the stage for other countries to join Mission LiFE, as a study by the International Energy Agency suggests that by 2030, it can decrease carbon emissions by 2 billion metric tonnes per year.[xlv]

Green Credits Initiative 

Furthering the principles of Mission Lifestyle for Environment at COP 28 in Dubai, India called for another pro-planet strategy, the Green Credits Initiative.[xlvi] Supported by several world leaders, PM Modi launched the web portal of the Green Credits Programme along with Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson, Mozambique’s President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, and the President of the European Council, Charles Michel.[xlvii] This initiative adds to Mission LiFE by transcending the traditional carbon credit mindset and encouraging public participation to create a carbon sink. It seeks to frame a participatory platform to facilitate the sharing of innovative methods and programmes aimed at safeguarding the environment.[xlviii]

The Green Credits Initiative works within the Indian government’s Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) movement, which emphasises the importance of water conservation and afforestation as its two primary priorities. Within the government's environmental agenda, it operates as a mechanism that incentivises voluntary environmental actions across various sectors and stakeholders in the market.[xlix] It works as a process where environmental actions are incentivised by issuing tradeable green credits. These credits, allocated to specific environmental activities, can be traded on domestic market platforms.[l] This approach aims to encourage corporations and private companies to engage in pro-planet activities such as planting trees, engaging in sustainable agriculture, adopting practices for water conservation and proper waste management. By incentivising these actions, the initiative seeks to address climate challenges faced by the country while promoting sustainable development.[li]

The increasing risk of irreversible environmental changes underscores the importance of not just preserving but also restoring natural resources. To be successful, this programme must achieve scale beyond the Indian market.[lii] Participation by other countries in the initiative will result in exponential growth in the pursuit of environmental sustainability, thereby realising its target of an international collaborative approach.  

India-led Climate Change Adaptation Initiatives at the Global Stage 

Noting the necessity of focusing on climate change mitigation and adaptation, India has introduced plans and initiatives that seek global involvement in building resilience against climate change's effects. Hence, the following are India-led initiatives with global participation that work specifically towards enabling improved adaptation capabilities and practices: 

Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) 

Launched in 2019 at the UN Secretary-General’s Climate Action Summit in New York, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) was conceptualized by India and backed by the UN.[liii] India launched the initiative along with 12 other founding members, namely Australia, Bhutan, Fiji, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Maldives, Mexico, Mongolia, Rwanda, Sri Lanka and the UK. The CDRI has now grown into a multi-stakeholder partnership involving the participation of 31 nations, six international organisations, multilateral development banks, academic institutions and private sector organisations.[liv]

The primary objective of CDRI is to develop resilient infrastructure and to make existing structures more resilient, with the ultimate goal of reducing infrastructure losses on account of natural disasters. CDRI notes that up to 66% of public sector losses induced by natural disasters have been due to infrastructure damage.[lv] Hence, aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 9.1, the coalition seeks to develop sustainable and resilient infrastructure and focus on key areas, including governance, policy, emerging technology, risk assessment, recovery and resilience standards.[lvi] Additionally, SDG target 9.a emphasises the importance of providing financial and technical support to developing countries, which the coalition focuses on by calling for collective finance and capacity building. Moreover, the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) also estimates that around USD 94 trillion is required over the next 20 years for investments in infrastructural development.[lvii] Hence, India took the lead in calling for collaboration on CDRI, emphasising its inclusive approach and the potential to synergise the efforts of developed and developing countries, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) to build resilient economies and communities by fostering cross-sector commitments at all levels.  

Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS)  

Launched at the COP26 Summit in Glasgow, Infrastructure for Resilient Island States was co-created by CDRI as a specifically dedicated step towards the infrastructural development of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).[lviii] It was also introduced by India, along with the United Kingdom, Australia, Fiji, Jamaica and Mauritius, to support vulnerable island nations in achieving sustainable progress through a collaborative, systematic approach by the member states.[lix] The IRIS aims to work with SIDS to determine opportunities for possible technological partnerships to strengthen infrastructure systems and further build resilience capacity.  

Furthermore, IRIS seeks to directly contribute to the SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway by pursuing three key outcomes. Firstly, it seeks to bolster the resilience of infrastructure in SIDS against the effects of climate change and natural disaster-induced risks. Secondly, it aims to enhance knowledge and focus on merging resilience-building practices into SIDS infrastructure through improved partnerships. Lastly, it also endeavours to promote gender equality and disability inclusion through its approach.[lx] Through these concerted efforts, IRIS strives to advance the resilience and sustainability of infrastructure in SIDS, contributing to their long-term prosperity and well-being.  

India Setting the Stage for a Transition to Green Hydrogen 

India is guiding mitigation plans through several initiatives at both the national and international levels. At the national level, the government of India, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and various private players are collaborating to address the issues. One such contemporary approach towards climate sustainability that has garnered much appreciation is the National Green Hydrogen Mission.  

India's energy transition focuses on increasing renewable energy usage across all sectors, with green hydrogen emerging as a promising alternative. Green hydrogen is produced sustainably from water and renewable energy sources. It is gaining widespread traction owing to its characteristic of discharging minimal greenhouse gases.[lxi] Recognising its potential, the Union Cabinet approved the National Green Hydrogen Mission on January 4, 2022, with several objectives in mind.[lxii] These include positioning India as a global leader in green hydrogen production, creating export opportunities, reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels, fostering indigenous manufacturing capabilities, attracting investment, generating employment and supporting research and development initiatives.[lxiii] By promoting the production and adoption of green hydrogen, India aims to mitigate its carbon footprint, enhance energy security and foster economic growth through sustainable means.  

A report curated by NITI Aayog flagged that India's annual energy imports exceed US$ 160 billion, which prompted the establishment of the National Green Hydrogen Mission to overcome this challenge and position the country as a major hub for green hydrogen production, export and manufacturing.[lxiv] Policy support is underway through this initiative, which will allocate INR 197 billion to incentivise indigenous production of five million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030.[lxv] While export opportunities are significant, creating local demand for green hydrogen is equally crucial. Similar to renewable energy promotion policies, subsidies and purchase obligations can stimulate local demand, further aiding the adoption of green hydrogen domestically. Hence, leveraging academic prowess, industrial expertise and clean energy capacity, India aims to emerge as a leading player in the global energy transition through green hydrogen.[lxvi]

Conclusion 

The world is faced with far-reaching effects of climate change. Consistent population growth and the expansion of industrial activities globally make the effects of climate change increasingly apparent. It is critical to address the increasing frequency of climate-related disasters, and to mitigate the devastating consequences the world is already encountering.[lxvii] The urgent need for action is highlighted by the widespread effects of resource depletion, air pollution, rising global temperatures and glacier melting. There would be dire repercussions if climate change and global warming continued on their current trajectory.  

India is leading effort by initiatives that seek collective approaches to address climate change and its consequent impacts. The country has garnered much appreciation at the international level as its initiatives have witnessed global participation. India’s defining role in spearheading these initiatives demonstrates its commitment to addressing the challenges faced by developing countries. It also displays India’s stand on the ineffectiveness of developed countries in addressing the issue of climate change despite having better resources than other countries. India’s emphasis on much-needed global cooperation to address this issue is visible in its leadership approach, as renewable resources such as solar power, biofuels, green hydrogen, etc. are already present and being used. India has introduced international collaborative networks to make the best of these resources. 

Concurrently, India has made strides in its capacity to adopt greener methods of energy generation. There’s an increase in non-fossil electricity generation, with renewable capacity reaching 165 GW, comprising 40% of total electricity generation capacity.[lxviii] Solar capacity alone has seen substantial growth, reaching 60.8 GW, while nuclear energy contributes 6.78 GW, totalling non-fossil electricity at 42% of the generation.[lxix] India's climate change policies prioritise aligning development with climate outcomes, focusing on missions and programmes to reduce vulnerability. With commitments and strategies to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and scale up clean technologies, India has made significant progress in meeting its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) since 2016.[lxx] Efforts to reduce emissions intensity have been successful, with targets achieved in advance and increased for the future.[lxxi] This progress reflects India's commitment to sustainable energy and climate action and underscores the country’s potential to oversee consistent growth in the production of energy through renewable and non-fossil sources, and to spearhead climate-friendly and environmentally conscious global collaborative initiatives.

*****

*Vijay Anand Panigrahi, Research Intern, Indian Council of World Affairs, New Delhi
Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal.

Endnotes:

[i] Sridharan, S. (2023, September 16). Climate change: Global South suffers from developed world's inaction. Policy Circle. Retrieved March 7, 2024, from https://www.policycircle.org/opinion/climate-change-inaction-inertia/.

[ii] Suri, S. (2023, June 28). It’s time for climate justice- A Global South perspective on the fight against the climate crisis. It's time for climate justice- A Global South perspective on the fight against the climate crisis. Retrieved March 7, 2024, from https://www.orfonline.org/research/a-global-south-perspective-on-the-fight-against-the-climate-crisis.

[iii] Sridharan (2023), op. cit.

[iv] Suri (2023), op. cit.

[v] Sharma, S. (2023, January 16). India's Climate Change Policy: Challenges and Recommendation. Indian School of Public Policy. Retrieved March 4, 2024, from https://www.ispp.org.in/indias-climate-change-policy-challenges-and-recommendations/.

[vi] Sharma (2023), op. cit.

[vii] UNICEF India. (n.d.). Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability. UNICEF. Retrieved March 4, 2024, from https://www.unicef.org/india/what-we-do/climate-change.

[viii] Tiseo, I. (2024, February 28). GHG emissions in India - Statistics & Facts. Statista. Retrieved March 4, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/topics/8881/emissions-in-india/#topicOverview.

[ix] Modi, N. (2023, December 1). Special Address by the Prime Minister at the inauguration of High Level Segment of COP-28 of HoS/HoG. Press Information Bureau. Retrieved March 8, 2024, from https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1981612.

[x] Ibid.

[xi] Mehta (2023), op. cit.

[xii] Yadav, B. (2023, December 9). COP 28 NATIONAL STATEMENT by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav. PIB. Retrieved March 8, 2024, from https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1984434.

[xiii] Jha, V. (2023, October 18). International Solar Alliance: Bridging the Gap. CSEP. Retrieved March 13, 2024, from https://csep.org/reports/international-solar-alliance-bridging-the-gap/.

[xiv] Guvvadi, N. (2023, October 27). International Solar Alliance: The Sun Never Sets. Indian Council of World Affairs. Retrieved March 14, 2024, from /show_content.php?lang=1&level=1&ls_id=10106&lid=6449.

[xv] Jha (2023), op. cit.

[xvi] Guvvadi (2023), op. cit.

[xvii] Jha (2023), op. cit.

[xviii] International Solar Alliance. (n.d.). International Solar Alliance. International Solar Alliance. Retrieved March 19, 2024, from https://isolaralliance.org/work/osowog/.

[xix] GOV.UK. (2021, November 2). UK and India launch new grids initiative to deliver clean power to the world. GOV.UK. Retrieved March 19, 2024, from https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-and-india-launch-new-grids-initiative-to-deliver-clean-power-to-the-world.

[xx] Ibid.

[xxi] Ibid.

[xxii] International Solar Alliance, op. cit.

[xxiii] GOV.UK (2021), op. cit.

[xxiv] LeadIT. (n.d.). Our mission. Leadership Group for Industry Transition. Retrieved March 18, 2024, from https://www.industrytransition.org/what-we-do/.

[xxv] Stockholm Environment Institute. (n.d.). Leadership Group for Industry Transition | SEI. Stockholm Environment Institute. Retrieved March 18, 2024, from https://www.sei.org/projects/leadership-group-for-industry-transition-leadit/.

[xxvi] Ibid.

[xxvii] Climate Initiatives Platform. (2022, April 13). Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT). Climate Initiatives Platform. Retrieved March 18, 2024, from https://climateinitiativesplatform.org/index.php/Leadership_Group_for_Industry_Transition_(LeadIT).

[xxviii] Ibid.

[xxix] Ibid.

[xxx] Press Information Bureau. (2023, February 11). Global Biofuel Alliance: One of the priorities under India's G20 Presidency. PIB. Retrieved March 13, 2024, from https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1898274.

[xxxi] Shine, I. (2023, October 19). The Global Biofuel Alliance launched at the G20. What is it? | World Economic Forum. The World Economic Forum. Retrieved March 13, 2024, from https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/10/global-biofuel-alliance/.

[xxxii] Ibid.

[xxxiii] Ibid.

[xxxiv] Press Information Bureau (2023), op. cit.

[xxxv] Ibid.

[xxxvi] Modi (2023), op. cit.

[xxxvii] Ibid.

[xxxviii] Ghosh, A. (2023). G20 New Delhi Declaration: Green Development Pact the Bridge Between the Global South and the North, Says Arunabha Ghosh. CEEW. Retrieved March 11, 2024, from https://www.ceew.in/news/g20-new-delhi-declaration-2023-green-development-pact-bridge-between-global-south-and-north.

[xxxix] Ibid.

[xl] Modi (2023), op. cit.

[xli] Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. (n.d.). LiFE LiFEStyle for Environment. LiFE LiFEStyle for Environment. Retrieved March 18, 2024, from https://missionlife-moefcc.nic.in/aboutLiFE.php.

[xlii] Kukreja, D., Ganjoo, C., & Bhatia, S. (2023, September 14). Mission LiFE: A Behavioural Framework. IBEF. Retrieved March 18, 2024, from https://www.ibef.org/blogs/mission-life-a-behavioural-framework.

[xliii] Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, op. cit.

[xliv] Kukreja et al. (2023), op. cit.

[xlv] Modi (2023), op. cit.

[xlvi] Yadav (2023), op. cit.

[xlvii] Sinha, V. (2023, December 2). What is Green Credit Initiative, launched by PM Modi at COP28 climate summit in Dubai? Hindustan Times. Retrieved March 19, 2024, from https://www.hindustantimes.com/environment/what-is-green-credit-initiative-launched-by-pm-modi-at-cop28-climate-summit-in-dubai-101701487482709.html.

[xlviii] Modi (2023), op. cit.

[xlix] Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, GOI. (2023, December 22). Press Information Bureau. Press Information Bureau. Retrieved March 19, 2024, from https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1989495.

[l] Sinha (2023), op. cit.

[li] Ibid.

[lii] Shukla, N. (2024, January 23). Unpacking India’s New Green Credit Programme. Earth.Org. Retrieved March 19, 2024, from https://earth.org/unpacking-indias-new-green-credit-programme/.

[liii] IISD. (2019, October 3). India Launches Global Coalition for Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure | News | SDG Knowledge Hub | IISD. SDG Knowledge Hub. Retrieved March 14, 2024, from https://sdg.iisd.org/news/india-launches-global-coalition-for-disaster-resilient-infrastructure/.

[liv] Sablok, A. (2023, September 14). Examining the Role of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). Indian Council of World Affairs. Retrieved March 14, 2024, from /show_content.php?lang=1&level=3&ls_id=9924&lid=6344.

[lv] IISD (2019), op. cit.

[lvi] Ibid.

[lvii] Ibid.

[lviii] The Hindu. (2021, November 2). PM Modi launches 'Infrastructure for Resilient Island States' for most vulnerable countries. The Hindu. Retrieved March 14, 2024, from https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pm-modi-launches-infrastructure-for-resilient-island-states-for-most-vulnerable-countries/article37299999.ece.

[lix] CDRI. (2021, November 2). Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. Retrieved March 14, 2024, from https://www.cdri.world/press-releases/launch-infrastructure-resilient-island-states-iris-cop26.

[lx] Ibid.

[lxi] Rao, A. (2024, February 15). India's Plans to Achieve Cost-Effective Green Hydrogen Production. India Briefing. Retrieved March 19, 2024, from https://www.india-briefing.com/news/india-strives-for-cost-effective-green-hydrogen-production-30876.html/.

[lxii] Government of India. (2023, March 6). National Green Hydrogen Mission. National Portal of India. Retrieved March 19, 2024, from https://www.india.gov.in/spotlight/national-green-hydrogen-mission.

[lxiii] Ibid.

[lxiv] Rao (2024), op. cit.

[lxv] HSBC. (2024, February 4). Unleashing the Power of Green Hydrogen in India - HSBC India's Sustainability Efforts. HSBC Business. Retrieved March 19, 2024, from https://www.business.hsbc.co.in/en-gb/insights/sustainability/unleashing-the-power-of-green-hydrogen-in-india.

[lxvi] Ibid.

[lxvii] Singh, A., Bose, A., & Negi, A. (2022, July 8). How does India taken a leadership role in tackling climate change? MyGov Blog. Retrieved March 6, 2024, from https://blog.mygov.in/editorial/how-does-india-taken-a-leadership-role-in-tackling-climate-change-3/.

[lxviii] Deb, K., & Kohli, P. C. (2022, December 8). Assessing India's Ambitious Climate Commitments - Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University SIPA | CGEP. Center on Global Energy Policy. Retrieved March 19, 2024, from https://www.energypolicy.columbia.edu/publications/assessing-india-s-ambitious-climate-commitments/.

[lxix] Ibid.

[lxx] Sharma (2023), op. cit.

[lxxi] Yadav (2023), op. cit.