How India is Strengthening Its Fight Against Climate Change in 2025

India's Bold Steps to Tackle Climate Change and Environmental Challenges

Climate change is one of the most pressing global challenges, and India has taken significant steps to mitigate its impact while promoting sustainability. The Indian government, through the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC), has implemented a series of legislative, regulatory, and administrative measures aimed at conservation, pollution control, and environmental protection.

From expanding green cover and strengthening protected areas to enhancing renewable energy adoption and reducing emissions, India’s climate action strategy is comprehensive and forward-thinking.

This article explores India's strengthened efforts in addressing climate change and the latest initiatives to ensure environmental sustainability.

Massive Tree Plantation Drive: ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Initiative

One of the most impactful initiatives in India’s fight against climate change is the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (#Plant4Mother) campaign, launched on World Environment Day (June 5, 2024) by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. This initiative encourages people to plant trees as a tribute to their mothers and Mother Earth.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) has collaborated with central and state governments, institutions, and organizations to facilitate the planting of 140 crore trees by March 2025. As of January 2025, 109 crore saplings have already been planted, significantly enhancing India’s green cover and contributing to carbon sequestration efforts.

Expansion of Protected Areas for Biodiversity Conservation

India has made significant strides in expanding its network of protected areas to safeguard wildlife and promote biodiversity conservation.

• The number of protected areas has increased from 745 in 2014 to 1,022 in 2025, covering 5.43% of India’s total geographical area.

• Community reserves have risen from 43 in 2014 to 220 in 2025, fostering local participation in conservation efforts.

• The country now has 57 tiger reserves under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, ensuring better protection for its tiger population.

• Additionally, 33 elephant reserves have been designated to provide safe habitats for elephants, helping to curb human-wildlife conflicts.

Conservation of Wetlands: Strengthening India’s Ramsar Site Network

Wetlands play a critical role in water conservation and biodiversity protection. Since 2014, India has added 59 wetlands to the Ramsar list, bringing the total to 89 and covering 1.35 million hectares. This expansion makes India the country with the largest Ramsar site network in Asia and the third-largest globally.

Furthermore, Udaipur and Indore have been recognized under the Wetland City Accreditation Scheme of the Ramsar Convention, reinforcing India’s commitment to sustainable urban development and ecological conservation.

Tiger Population and Conservation Efforts

India remains the global leader in tiger conservation, as reflected in the All India Tiger Estimation 2022 report. The country's tiger population is estimated at 3,682, constituting 70% of the world’s wild tiger population.

The total area under the tiger reserve network is 82,836.45 sq km, accounting for 2.5% of India’s total geographical area. The government continues to invest in anti-poaching measures, habitat restoration, and community engagement programs to ensure the long-term survival of tigers.

India’s Climate Action Strategy: Policies and Frameworks

India’s climate action is guided by its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and a long-term strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) serves as the foundation for India’s climate policies, comprising missions focused on:

• Solar energy and energy efficiency

• Sustainable habitat and water conservation

• Himalayan ecosystem preservation

• Sustainable agriculture and human health

• Strategic climate knowledge development

To further enhance climate resilience, MoEFCC has implemented the Climate Change Action Programme (CCAP) and the National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC) to support adaptation measures in vulnerable regions.

Progress in Renewable Energy and Emission Reduction

India has achieved remarkable progress in renewable energy deployment and emission reduction:

• Emission intensity of GDP reduced by 36% between 2005 and 2020.

• As of October 2024, non-fossil sources account for 46.52% of India’s installed electricity generation capacity.

• The country’s total renewable energy capacity, including large hydropower projects, has reached 203.22 GW.

• Renewable power capacity (excluding large hydro) has surged 4.5 times, from 35 GW in March 2014 to 156.25 GW in 2025.

• Forest and tree cover now constitute 25.17% of India’s total geographical area, contributing an additional carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent (2005-2021).

India's Global Climate Commitment: A Balancing Act of Growth and Sustainability

India, despite its historical low per capita emissions, has emerged as a significant player in global climate action. Recognizing the urgent need to address climate change while simultaneously pursuing economic development, India has adopted a balanced approach that prioritizes equity and sustainable growth.

Guiding Principles:

India's climate action is guided by the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities enshrined in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).This framework acknowledges that developed countries, with their historical responsibility for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions, have a greater responsibility to take the lead in climate action. India, as a developing nation, emphasizes the need for developed countries to provide financial and technological support to developing countries to enable their low-carbon development pathways.

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Key Commitments and Achievements:

• Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): India has submitted its updated NDCs to the UNFCCC, outlining its ambitious climate goals. These include:

  • Reducing the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.

  • Achieving about 50% of cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030.

  • Creating an additional carbon sink2 of 2.5-3 gigatons of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 2030.

• Renewable Energy Transition: India has made significant strides in expanding its renewable energy capacity, with solar and wind power playing a crucial role. This transition to clean energy sources is crucial for reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.

• Focus on Sustainable Development: India's climate action strategy is integrated with its broader development agenda, emphasizing sustainable urbanization, green transportation, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

• International Cooperation: India actively participates in international climate negotiations, collaborating with other developing countries to advocate for their concerns and promote equitable solutions.

Challenges and Way Forward:

While India has made significant progress, challenges remain. These include:

• Balancing economic growth with emissions reduction: Achieving ambitious climate goals while maintaining economic growth remains a key challenge.

• Mobilizing finance: Securing adequate financial resources from developed countries to support climate action in developing countries is crucial.

• Technological innovation: Continued innovation in clean energy technologies, such as renewable energy, energy storage, and carbon capture, is essential for achieving climate goals.

Conclusion:

India's commitment to climate action is unwavering. By embracing sustainable development pathways, investing in renewable energy, and actively participating in international climate cooperation, India is demonstrating its leadership in the global fight against climate change.

While challenges remain, India's commitment to a sustainable and equitable future provides hope for a more resilient and climate-resilient world.

India’s multi-faceted approach to climate action—ranging from afforestation drives and biodiversity conservation to renewable energy expansion and global climate commitments—demonstrates its resolve in tackling environmental challenges.

With continuous policy advancements and ambitious sustainability goals, India is paving the way for a greener, more resilient future. As the country progresses towards achieving net-zero emissions, the world watches India’s evolving role in global climate leadership.