CONTEXT

• Observing World Environment Day (June 5) prompts reflection on the worsening state of the environment in India over the past decade.
• India is facing a compound environmental crisis, despite policy efforts and international cooperation.

CONCEPT: KEY ASPECTS OF THE CRISIS

• The three major global crises are:
  • Carbon emissions
  • Biodiversity loss
  • Pollution (especially air and water)
• These are interlinked, and India is severely affected due to:
  • Rapid industrialisation and urbanisation
  • Weak environmental regulation
  • Unsustainable development practices

CURRENT: EXACERBATION & CONTRIBUTING FACTORS

 Carbon Emissions

• India’s CO₂ emissions rose from 2.33 billion (2015) to 3.12 billion tonnes (2024) – a 34% increase.
• Dependency on coal (≈70% of electricity) and oil continues.

 Biodiversity Loss

• Mass extinctions, deforestation in Western Ghats & Northeast.
• Expansion of monoculture farming harming ecosystems.

Pollution

• India is among the most polluted countries globally.
• Air pollution (e.g., Delhi) and water pollution (e.g., Ganga, Yamuna) remain severe.
• Generates 62 million tonnes of waste annually; only 20% is processed scientifically.

Root Causes

• Fossil fuel dependency
• Deforestation & land-use change
• Agricultural intensification (high-input, chemical-heavy farming)
• Unplanned urbanisation & poor waste management
• Overconsumption by Global North; ecological burden shifted to Global South

India’s Position

• Per capita CO₂ emissions low (~1.9 tonnes/year), but aggregate emissions rising.
• Poor communities suffer most: e.g., heatwaves, floods, smog, and water scarcity.
• India is also a victim of global environmental injustice – affected by emissions from wealthier countries.

WAY FORWARD

• Global North must reduce emissions, offer climate finance, stop exporting polluting industries.
• Corporate accountability through carbon taxes & green compliance laws.
• Embrace ecological development:
  • Promote low-carbon livelihoods
  • Invest in organic agriculture & conservation
  • Enforce green trade protocols

MAINS QUESTIONS

• Analyze the compound environmental crisis in India, highlighting the interlinkages between carbon emissions, biodiversity loss, and pollution. What measures can be taken to address these issues?
• Discuss the impact of rapid industrialization and urbanization on India’s environment. What role can sustainable development practices play in mitigating these impacts?