Welcome to the full Episode 3 of Sustainability Karma, India’s first and only talk show on sustainability on All India Radio.

In this episode of Sustainability Karma, Jan Thesleff, Ambassador of Sweden to India, talks about how India and Sweden are working together towards green transition, fostering collaborative innovation, and how the fight for scarce resources is creating conflict between countries and how climate change is fuelling such crises.

Saying that India and Sweden share a longstanding relationship that extends beyond diplomatic ties rooted in historical interactions dating back over a century, Jan Thesleff adds that in recent years their collaboration has gained momentum, particularly in the realm of sustainable development and green technologies. This partnership is exemplified by initiatives such as the India-Sweden Joint Innovation Partnership, established in 2018, which serves as a foundation for collaborative efforts.

At the governmental level, both countries have committed to fostering green transition through initiatives like the India-Sweden Green Transition Partnership. Moreover, they jointly lead the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT), focusing on facilitating the transition of heavy industries towards sustainability. Their leadership in global forums like COP28 underscores their commitment to addressing climate change on a larger scale.

Concrete examples of this collaboration include Swedish companies partnering with Indian counterparts to implement eco-friendly solutions. For instance, a Swedish firm collaborated with Indigo, India’s largest airline, to install water-saving devices on aircraft, significantly reducing water consumption and fuel usage. Similarly, partnership between companies like Soltex Technology and Dalmia Cement aims to enhance energy efficiency in heavy industries, illustrating tangible progress in sustainable practices.

Saying that both nations recognise the urgency of combating climate change, Jan Thesleff emphasises that transitioning to green practices is not a choice but a necessity. Key priorities identified include advancing green hydrogen and battery technologies, alongside efforts to educate and engage the public in sustainable practices. This emphasis on technological innovation and public involvement reflects a holistic approach to addressing environmental challenges.

While significant strides have been made in green technology, the ambassador adds that the focus is now on further advancements and cost reductions to ensure widespread adoption. Additionally, attention is directed towards optimizing energy transmission to minimize waste and maximize efficiency, aligning with the broader goal of sustainable development.

Despite progress, Jan Thesleff says that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remains a challenge, necessitating accelerated efforts. Both countries emphasize the importance of collaboration and multilateral engagement, recognizing that collective action is essential for meaningful progress. They view initiatives like COP29 as opportunities to galvanize global cooperation and drive sustainable development agenda forward.

The ambassador points out that the upcoming elections in over 50 countries present both opportunities and challenges for the green transition. While elections can energize discussions on environmental issues, geopolitical tensions threaten to divert attention away from core challenges. Moreover, conflicts exacerbated by climate-related factors underscore the interconnectedness of environmental and geopolitical issues, highlighting the need for comprehensive solutions.

In addressing these complexities, Jan Thesleff says that optimism must be tempered with pragmatism. While the pursuit of peaceful solutions remains paramount, the current geopolitical landscape presents formidable obstacles. Nonetheless, concerted efforts by nations like India and Sweden, alongside global cooperation, offer hope for a more sustainable and peaceful future. It is through collaborative endeavours, innovation, and proactive engagement with challenges that meaningful progress towards a greener, more resilient world can be achieved.