Dr Alok K. Dwivedi
In the face of one of humanity’s most pressing challenges—climate change—Climate Action India is a timely and thoughtful account of how India is stepping up as a global leader in sustainable development. More than just policy commentary, the book offers real-world stories and forward-looking vision that place India at the center of the global climate conversation. The authors begin by citing President Droupadi Murmu’s July 2024 address highlighting the urgent risks posed by climate change. But the book’s true strength lies in showing that India’s climate action is not just top-down. It’s a layered, participatory movement spanning policymaking, community efforts, and innovation.
India’s Climate Commitments and PM Modi’s Leadership
A key focus is India’s global commitments, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Panchamrit pledge at COP26. With targets like 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity and net-zero emissions by 2070, India is shaping climate discourse, not merely reacting to it. These commitments reflect both national will and strategic foresight in balancing growth with responsibility.
The book also places these commitments within the context of global climate diplomacy. India’s role in initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure highlights its shift from being a passive recipient of climate aid to an active architect of global environmental governance. This repositioning enhances India’s soft power while signalling seriousness about its green transition.
Social Welfare Initiatives to Protect Climate and Environment
The book illustrates how India’s development goals align with its environmental priorities. For instance, the Swachh Bharat Mission not only improved sanitation but also reduced water and soil contamination. Similarly, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana provided LPG to over 10 crore households, cutting indoor air pollution and deforestation.
Another standout is Indian Railways’ transition to clean energy. With 94% of its network electrified by early 2024, this shift is transforming a carbon-intensive sector into a cleaner, more efficient one. Such examples show how climate action is embedded in India’s broader socio-economic fabric.
Societal Role
The authors emphasize that solving climate change requires active citizen engagement. From rooftop solar panels to electric vehicles, the book spotlights changemakers who prove that even small steps matter. This focus on community and individual action broadens the narrative, moving it beyond elite or government-only frameworks.
Importantly, the writing remains accessible without compromising on content depth. By combining technical insights with human stories, the book invites participation, not just awareness.
What also deserves mention is the book’s subtle advocacy for environmental education. By spotlighting youth leaders and student-driven green campaigns, the authors signal a cultural shift in how climate change is being understood by the next generation. Schools, colleges, and local bodies are now seen as incubators of grassroots climate leadership.
Economic Opportunity
Rather than painting climate action as a burden, the authors argue it is a growth engine. Clean energy, green construction, and electric mobility are creating jobs, driving investment, and fuelling rural-urban economic integration.
For example, the booming solar sector is not just cutting emissions—it’s providing livelihoods. India’s push into renewable energy and carbon markets could help it reach a $10 trillion economy by 2035, making sustainability a strategic national asset.
The book is especially strong in showing how climate policy is no longer a fringe concern—it’s become mainstream economics. The rise of green finance, ESG-focused investments, and climate-tech startups is creating momentum across sectors. By framing climate mitigation as an opportunity for innovation and competitiveness, the book makes a business case for sustainability that even sceptics will find hard to ignore.
Conclusion With clear structure, accessible language, and compelling evidence, Climate Action India is both informative and motivational. Tuhin A. Sinha and Dr. Kaviraj Singh bring clarity and optimism to a subject often mired in doom.Their message is simple but powerful: climate action is not just a necessity, it’s an opportunity—and one in which every Indian has a role to play.
Dr Alok Kumar Dwivedi holds a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Allahabad. He is currently Assistant Professor at KSAS, Lucknow—the Indian Research Centre of INADS, USA. His research interests include philosophy, culture, society, and politics.
