A recent study found harmful PM2.5 particles widespread across India. These tiny particles cause serious health issues, even death. In 2022, rural and urban areas exceeded the air pollution limits set by the Central Pollution Control Board and the World Health Organisation
The summer in India was filled with joy, now it fills one with dread. The heatwaves arrived fiercely early this year, frequently climbing beyond 45°C (113°F). The Meteorological Department declared this March the hottest since 1901, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions. High temperatures have set off red and orange alerts, painting a grim picture. Over the past 50 years, India has suffered through more than 700 heatwaves, costing over 17,000 lives. In the first nine months of 2023, we faced nearly daily extreme weather events, leading to about 3,000 deaths. By 2030, India could see 34 million job losses due to heat stress as part of a global tally of 80 million. These are not just numbers; they represent lost futures and our shared vulnerability. It's a call that resonates with all of us: policymakers, environmental organisations, and the public, united in our concern for the environment and public health.
A 2018 study in Nature Climate Change warns that if we don't alter the course, we could see roughly 300,000additional deaths by 2070. Moreover, the increased use of AC during peak heat periods overloads our electricity grids, leading to widespread power outages that only add to our distress. This is a harsh reality that demands immediate attention and action.
Experts around the globe are clear that climate change is a pressing threat, amplifying extreme weather in South Asia. One of the top 10 economies most vulnerable to climate impacts, India already feels the effects. The RBI predicts that by 2030, up to 4.5 percent of India's GDP could be at risk due to lost labour hours from extreme heat and humidity. We're racing against time to adopt sustainable energy solutions—not just for the planet, but for our children's future. We can mitigate the effects and secure our future by embracing clean energy solutions.
The clean energy imperative
India is taking decisive action to tackle these challenges with robust clean energy initiatives. Imagine a future where millions of homes are powered by clean energy. That's our vision as we aim to boost our renewable energy capacity to 450 GW by 2030. By March 2024, we've surpassed 175 GW, led by solar and wind power.
Take Rajat, a shop owner in Jaipur, who tells me the air is cleaner and his children breathe easier since the local shift towards clean energy. Initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) are reducing our reliance on polluting biomass by subsidising LPG for cooking, significantly reducing indoor air pollution.
Our policies are backing this change, too. The Green Tariff Policy ensures utilities draw a specific percentage of their power from renewable sources, guaranteeing a steady demand for green energy. PLI schemes boost domestic manufacturing of solar panels and batteries, lessening import reliance, and strengthening our industries. The push towards electric vehicles transforms our transportation sector, reducing fossil fuel use and emissions. This move not only aids environmental protection but also drives job creation, boosting economic growth, and fostering optimism for the future. India's resilience is clear as we tackle these environmental issues head-on, laying the foundations for a sustainable and resilient future.
Beyond urban solutions
The shift to sustainable energy is crucial for rural areas, too, where air pollution is a significant threat.
A recent study found harmful PM2.5 particles widespread across India. These tiny particles cause serious health issues, even death. In 2022, rural and urban areas exceeded the air pollution limits set by the Central Pollution Control Board and the World Health Organisation.
Rural communities often don't have enough access to energy, but they stand to gain immensely from local renewable energy solutions like solar microgrids and biogas plants. By adopting these sustainable energy sources, rural areas can enhance their energy security, drive economic growth, and build resilience against climate change, paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future for everyone.
Time to Act. Now
India is at a critical point, ranking third worldwide for the poorest air quality. As we push toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future, the urgency for long-term action is at its peak. Government policies are fueling investments in clean technologies, setting ambitious carbon reduction targets, and promoting energy efficiency across various sectors. Right now, India is focusing on several strategic priorities:
Modernising the Grid: Upgrading our infrastructure is essential to better integrate and manage the variable outputs from renewable energy sources.
Advancing Energy Storage: We are working on low-cost, high-efficiency storage systems to address the intermittent nature of solar and wind energy.
Enhancing Financing Options: Attracting private funding and streamlining finance for renewable energy projects are critical to maintaining our momentum. We must also focus on protecting our families’ health through clear, strategic actions that address the health impacts of heat directly:
Strengthening Healthcare Response: We are improving the training offered to medical personnel to recognise and treat heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses more effectively.
Encouraging EV adoption - EVs represent a sustainable alternative and by encouraging greater adoption, we are paving the way for a healthier future. By 2030, India’s EV fleet will avoid around 5 metric tonnes CO2, while in 2050, this could range from 110- 380 Mt CO2, depending on the fleet size and the pace of power sector decarbonisation.
Upgrading Medical Facilities: Enhancing our facilities with adequate AC and hydration protocols is crucial, especially during heatwave conditions.
Community Health Initiatives: In my hometown, we're setting up cooling centres across neighborhoods and strengthening community ties to ensure no one faces the brutal heat alone.
This is time for collective action. By lowering electricity use, investing in energy-efficient appliances, and exploring residential solar options, we can help lessen the impact of future heat waves and foster a sustainable environment. This is a shared responsibility. Let’s act now to ensure a healthier, cooler tomorrow for all.
(Dr K Madan Gopal is an Advisor, Public Health Administration Divison at NHSRC, MoHFW GOI.)