World Environment Day 2025 arrives at a pivotal moment. The theme, “Beat Plastic Pollution,” highlights an escalating environmental crisis. India, now among the top producers of plastic waste globally, generates approximately 9.3 million tonnes annually—accounting for nearly 20% of the global total.¹ In a nation where waste management continues to remain a challenge, plastic waste reduction is a higher priority than all else.

Climate change further exacerbates these challenges. Rising temperatures, erratic monsoons, and intensifying weather events could reduce India’s GDP by 2.8% by mid-century, affecting the livelihoods and living standards of nearly 600 million citizens.² Yet, within these challenges, India has the opportunity to realize many economic benefits of transitioning to a sustainable economy.

Sustainability has become central to the nation’s development agenda. India has aligned with the UN sustainable development goals and has taken many strides towards plastic waste reduction, green entrepreneurship, green solutions, and environmental stewardship.

The NDCs are further anchored by the five-point agenda, Panchamrit, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced at COP26 in Glasgow. 

Circularity

India's transition toward a circular economy is gaining momentum. From developing biodegradable alternatives to plastics to promoting recycling in the textile and construction sectors, a new design philosophy is emerging. National policies and regulations such as the updated Plastic Waste Management Rules, along with green technology, support this shift and aim to redirect materials from landfills into productive reuse. The advantages extend beyond environmental benefits: circular systems encourage green entrepreneurship, strengthen supply chains, and enhance resilience across various industries. In addition, circularity through renewable energy, blue economy and climate actions offers a holistic solution approach to reduce plastic pollution.

Renewable energy

With over 452.69 GW of installed power capacity—46.3% of which comes from non-fossil sources, solar and wind sectors have already surpassed 150 GW, with further growth anticipated through initiatives such as solar parks, rooftop programs, and battery storage projects.⁴ This energy transition is not only altering electricity generation but also improving access and distribution, particularly in rural areas.

Blue economy

Through the Ocean Energy Mission across India's extensive 11,098 km coastline, the government is exploring technologies such as offshore wind and tidal energy, with an estimated 40 GW of deployable potential.^5,6

Climate innovation in hard-to-abate sectors

India is actively pursuing solutions through Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS). The CCUS roadmap developed by NITI Aayog aims to integrate these technologies within industrial ecosystems, starting with pilot projects in Gujarat and Odisha.⁷ It positions India as a global leader in clean manufacturing.

Mainstreaming climate finance: Carbon markets

The Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) represents a significant step toward establishing a compliance carbon market. Aligned with international frameworks like the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), it will attract climate finance and stimulate green innovation. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of India (MoEFCC) has identified 14 activities to be considered for trading of carbon credits under bilateral or cooperative approaches under Article 6.2 mechanism (under the Paris Agreement) to facilitate adoption or transfer of emerging technologies and mobilise international finance in India.

Flagship missions that deliver

Several national programs highlight India's comprehensive approach to environmental action:

1. International Solar Alliance (ISA):

India's leadership in co-founding the International Solar Alliance demonstrates its commitment to global climate mitigation and environmental stewardship. The ISA aims to promote solar energy deployment worldwide, fostering international cooperation in renewable energy.

2. National Clean Air Programme (NCAP):

Aims to reduce air pollution by 20%–30% in over 100 cities.⁸

3. Jal Jeevan Mission:

Seeks to provide piped drinking water to 146 million rural households across 700,000 villages.⁹

4. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan:

Mobilized millions for sanitation and solid waste management, significantly improving public health.

5. Namami Gange Programme:

Focuses on pollution abatement and river rejuvenation to restore the ecological and cultural significance of the Ganga.

Each of these initiatives demonstrates how national vision translates into measurable local progress.

India's climate strategy embodies an integrated vision where economic development and climate resilience reinforce each other. By embedding environmental initiatives into programs that enhance health, gender equity, livelihoods, and infrastructure, India is redefining climate action as a pathway to inclusive prosperity.

As we observe World Environment Day, it is essential to recognize that India is not merely following global trends; it is actively shaping them, laying the foundation for a future that is cleaner, more resilient, and equitable.