Welcome to the full Episode 7 of Sustainability Karma, India’s first and only talk show on
sustainability on All India Radio.

In this episode of Sustainability Karma on the occasion of World Environment Day this year, Inger Andersen, Executive Director, UNEP, explains the importance of the theme of ‘Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience under the slogan, Our Land Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration and how to overcome the challenge.

She says this year’s theme of land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience was chosen to emphasize the fundamental role that land plays in sustaining life and the urgent need to address land degradation. Currently, 40% of the world’s population is affected by land degradation, with approximately 12 million hectares of land being degraded annually.

This degradation significantly impacts global GDP and the well-being of billions of people, particularly the nearly two and a half billion people living with water stress. The underlying message is that land is essential for life, and its restoration can lead to increased rainfall, improved absorptive capacity to prevent flooding, cleaner air, and enhanced well-being for people and nature.

Andersen says that businesses are encouraged to restore their local environments and consider the environmental impact of their supply chains. Sustainable farming practices, soil quality improvement, organic composting, and efficient irrigation techniques are examples of how businesses can contribute. Vibrant, productive land leads to healthier products, reduced chemical use, and cleaner water, ultimately benefiting business operations and the environment.

The theme also ties into the broader goals of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, which aims to prevent, halt, and reverse land degradation. With about one billion hectares currently under active restoration, the initiative has made significant progress. Specific projects, such as India’s Namami Ganga initiative, demonstrate substantial investments and efforts in ecosystem restoration. Other initiatives highlight the critical role of urban forests in protecting against floods, preserving biodiversity, and providing cleaner air and recreation spaces.

Andersen stresses that environmental sustainability is integral to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Only 15% of SDGs are currently on track globally, underscoring the need for increased focus on environmental actions. Initiatives like India’s Mission Life emphasize sustainable lifestyles, promoting actions that encourage citizens to make informed choices, reduce waste, and adopt more circular living practices. Addressing unsustainable consumption and production is crucial for tackling environmental crises such as pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change.

India’s achievements in SDGs, particularly in sanitation and water supply, are notable. The country’s campaign against open defecation and efforts to provide sanitation facilities in villages have made significant progress, demonstrating the impact of grassroots mobilization and substantial investments. India’s focus on sustainable consumption and production, along with initiatives like the Namami Ganga project, reflects a strong commitment to achieving SDGs.

Despite efforts, global climate action still falls short, particularly among major emitters like the G20 countries, responsible for nearly 80% of CO2 emissions. Wealthier countries with long historical emission trails are urged to move first, aiming for net zero before 2050 to allow poorer countries more flexibility. The upcoming COP29 in Azerbaijan will be a critical juncture for nations to make more ambitious commitments and align them with actionable investment plans.

Andersen admits that financing remains a key challenge. The $100 billion annual climate investment target agreed upon in 2020 was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for increased financial commitments to address escalating costs due to global climate inaction. Solidarity financing, whether grant-based or from the private sector, is essential for ensuring a liveable planet and sustainable economic growth.

UNEP’s work with the business and financial sectors emphasizes the importance of shifting investments towards greener and cleaner portfolios. Initiatives like UNEP-FI encourage banks and insurance companies to prioritize sustainable investments, ensuring long-term returns and reducing the risk of stranded assets. Such shifts are crucial for aligning financial interests with climate goals. Andersen says that preparing for a climate-unfriendly world involves massive investments in adaptation strategies. Protecting urban and coastal forests, investing in nature’s infrastructure, and avoiding excessive reliance on asphalt and concrete are critical measures.

Since the reality is that we are living above 1.1 degrees, and the current Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are set to take us way above 2 degrees, around 2.7, the need for ambitious climate action and adaptation investments becomes ever more urgent. These efforts will not only address climate impacts but also contribute to sustainable development and poverty reduction.