Welcome to the full Episode 9 of Sustainability Karma, India’s first and only talk show on sustainability on All India Radio.

In this episode of Sustainability Karma, Sunita Narain, Director General, Science for Environment (CSE), stresses that the agenda for the new government should focus on three primary issues: clean air, water management, and sustainable agriculture, while strengthening institutions. She also offers her prescription for dealing with EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

Firstly, she says, the issue of clean air remains a pressing concern. The new government must prioritise efforts to reduce pollution in cities. Despite significant efforts over the past few years, the problem persists, highlighting the need for more stringent measures to ensure the right to breathe clean air, which is a fundamental right.

Secondly, she adds, the looming water crisis needs immediate attention. Efficient wastewater management and the health of rivers are critical. Past efforts have fallen short, largely due to inadequate methods for treating wastewater in a developing country like India. A paradigm shift is needed to provide cities with clean water without returning polluted water to rivers, which exacerbates environmental degradation.

Thirdly, Sunita Narain, says food security and agricultural practices must be revamped. The government’s goal of doubling farmers’ income should not come at the expense of the environment or push farmers into debt. Sustainable agricultural practices that are biodiverse, nutritious, and economically viable for farmers need to be promoted. This requires a holistic approach to agriculture that balances productivity with ecological health.

In addition to these core issues, she says, the agenda must be set within the context of climate change. Climate change exacerbates existing challenges and erodes the development gains made by the government. Extreme weather events such as heat-waves, floods, and droughts disrupt lives and destroy infrastructure, underscoring the need for development policies that are resilient to climate change.

Saying that a significant aspect of the agenda is the strengthening of institutions, she adds, effective governance and accountability are essential for sustainable development. Traditional institutions have become inefficient and bogged down by transactional costs. The government needs to rethink and modernize these institutions to enhance their effectiveness and responsiveness to contemporary challenges.

Sunita Narain calls for a paradigm shift in government programmes is required, focusing on implementation and innovation. While the intentions of the government are commendable, the execution often falls short. Learning from diverse perspectives and ground realities can improve programme delivery. Infusing new energy and creativity into government schemes can drive progress.

Regarding resources, the Indian government has allocated substantial funds for various programmes, such as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) and drinking water initiatives. However, managing these resources efficiently is crucial.

She stresses that climate change, largely driven by industrialised nations, imposes additional costs on developing countries like India. India must advocate for more resources from the global community to address the damages caused by climate change.

And India must use its financial resources judiciously to ensure that development does not exacerbate climate vulnerabilities. For example, construction in the Himalayas should be done in a way that reduces, rather than increases, the region’s vulnerability to climate change. Efficient planning and execution are vital to mitigating the anticipated losses from climate impacts.

Sunita Narain also advocates for India to play a key role on the global stage. It can lead international efforts on issues like climate change, plastic waste, and water management. India’s innovative approaches and moral leadership can influence global policies, provided it can back its international stance with robust domestic actions.

Finally, she points out, addressing challenges like the European Union’s carbon border tax requires a strategic response. India should advocate for equity in global climate policies and consider imposing reciprocal taxes to counteract unfair trade practices. Strengthening domestic regulatory frameworks is essential for Indian industries to meet global standards and compete effectively.