We Need a Robust Framework for Climate Governance

Comprehensive Legislation and a Cohesive Frame of Governance Can Close Gaps and Speed Up Climate Progress

- ANOOP SINGH

Winters in Delhi crystallize India's clamour for moving on its climate-action goals: achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, acquiring 500GW of renewable energy capacity and reducing the economy's emission intensity by 45% (over its 2005 level) by 2030.

While local governments and states have made strides in adaptation measures and community-driven initiatives, the country's central institutional frameworks and governance mechanisms are not yet aligned with its goals.

Global experience underscores the need for a decentralized approach, empowering local governments and supported by robust legislation and financial incentives, to address diverse climate challenges.

Climate legislation: India's current climate policies are fragmented across sectors and lack coherence, undermining their effectiveness.

A national climate law could unify efforts across central, state and local levels, fostering clarity, transparency and accountability.

Such a framework would integrate mitigation, adaptation and resilience-creation with India's broader development agenda, aligning local actions with international commitments while addressing regional vulnerabilities.

Clarify roles and responsibilities: A robust framework must delineate roles across all levels of governance.

Centralize regulation: Mitigation efforts, like emission reduction, require national oversight to prevent free-rider issues and maintain alignment with global goals.