Balance climate action with fossil fuel investments

India's climate goals: More adaptation, less Chinese dependence

- SUBHAYAN CHAKRABORTY SHREYA JAI

F or the second consecutive year, the Economic Survey has made climate action a key metric for policymaking across socioeconomic sectors. While the Survey again lauded India for performing better in mitigation efforts than developed nations, it warned against reliance on China to fuel India's energy transition ambitions. The Survey also stressed the need to rely on fossil fuels to ensure India's energy security.

Burn coal, but bet on low-emission tech as well

The Survey reiterated the government's position that continuing investments in hydrocarbons are necessary to meet India's energy requirements. "There is no valid economic rationale for shutting down coal plants in India, leaving huge investments underutilised and stranded without a dependable alternative in place," it said.

The Survey cited the experiences of developed economies to caution against shutting down thermal energy without adequate technological alternatives that allow for a stable energy supply.