While the government has launched significant renewable energy programs and made global commitments, the persistent dominance of coal, uneven media coverage, and limited public literacy limit transformative change.

India, as the world’s third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, faces a complex interplay of political, technical, media, and public forces shaping its climate policies. This article explores these dynamics and offers actionable recommendations for reducing emissions.

Political Leadership

India’s climate policies are largely driven by the leadership of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, whose government has prioritized climate action across its national and international agenda. The government has a clear roadmap focusing on reducing emissions intensity, increasing renewable energy targets, and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. Key initiatives include the National Solar Mission, the International Solar Alliance (ISA), and the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), which aims to promote sustainable lifestyles at the grassroots level. India’s commitment to cutting the emissions intensity of GDP by 36% between 2005 and 2020 against a target of 45% by 2030 shows progress under this leadership. Furthermore, India’s climate leadership within the G20 and global platforms indicates political will at the highest level to integrate climate goals with sustainable development and poverty eradication.

Technical Capacity

India possesses a strong technical capability to monitor and reduce GHG emissions. It has developed frameworks, such as the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). It uses state-level mechanisms, such as Odisha’s Climate Budget, to track climate-related expenditures and outcomes. India is advancing renewable energy technologies aggressively, becoming the world’s fourth-largest solar power producer, leveraging indigenous innovation for solar, wind, and hydro projects. Its technical capacity is evident in the growing infrastructure for carbon capture and utilization/storage (CCUS) and in extensive efforts to improve energy efficiency across sectors. Institutions like NITI Aayog bolster policy-making and innovation, supporting these technical capacities.

Media

In India, the media plays a vital role in shaping public discourse on climate change, but its impact on greenhouse gas emissions remains uneven. Newspapers, TV, and digital platforms frequently cover environmental challenges and highlight initiatives such as Mission LiFE or renewable energy milestones, helping to build positive perceptions of climate action. However, coverage is often event-driven, gaining attention mainly during crises like heatwaves, floods, or Delhi’s smog, where climate change is framed as an isolated issue of air pollution or extreme weather rather than a systemic challenge linked to energy policies, coal use, or transport.

Regional and language media, which reach over 80% of the population, often lack depth or technical clarity, creating knowledge gaps across states. Still, some outlets have made notable contributions: Scroll. in and IndiaSpend have exposed contradictions between coal expansion and climate pledges, while Hindustan Times has reported on renewable energy shortfalls. Campaigns like The Times of India’s “Green Drive” and social media influencers on Instagram and YouTube are also engaging citizens, especially youth, with accessible climate content.

Yet challenges persist. Commercial pressures, limited numbers of specialist journalists, and reliance on official press releases restrict critical coverage, while corporate advertising from the coal and cement sectors discourages scrutiny of emissions. To strengthen its role, Indian media must localize climate storytelling—linking floods in Assam, droughts in Marathwada, or sea-level rise in Odisha to national climate policies—while framing climate change as both an environmental and economic governance issue. Building regional reporting capacity and partnering with institutions like TERI or IITs could improve accuracy and public engagement. If scaled up, media could shift from being a weak link in climate communication to a catalyst that empowers citizens, holds policymakers accountable, and supports stronger climate action.

Popular Opinion

Popular opinion in India shows increasing support for climate actions, especially among the youth and urban middle classes who are conscious of pollution and environmental degradation. Different demographic groups vary in awareness and engagement; urban populations demonstrate strong backing for renewable energy expansion and pollution control measures, while rural communities, more vulnerable to climate impacts, support sustainable agriculture and water conservation practices. Public opinion polls indicate growing business sector support for green energy transitions, highlighting economic growth opportunities tied to environmental goals. Yet, balancing economic development, job creation, and climate priorities remains a critical demand from the populace.

Suggested Actions

Among these forces, political leadership holds significant power to catalyze further emission reductions. Two recommended actions include:

1. Accelerate Renewable Energy Transition: The government could enhance incentives for solar and wind energy projects, expand grid infrastructure, and promote domestic green technology manufacturing, leveraging India’s leadership in the International Solar Alliance to mobilize global investments.
2. Strengthen Climate Education and Public Engagement: By promoting climate literacy through media partnerships and integrating sustainability into education curricula nationwide, leaders can deepen public support and participation in climate-friendly behaviours, amplifying the impact of policy.

India’s climate and energy trajectory is shaped by a complex interplay of leadership ambitions, institutional strengths and limitations, public awareness, and media framing. At the same time, the government has launched significant renewable energy programs and made global commitments, but the persistent dominance of coal, uneven media coverage, and limited public literacy limit transformative change.

Targeted media interventions, especially at the regional level, can spark deeper public engagement, which in turn may push both political and technical institutions toward stronger climate action. With India positioned as a global climate leader in potential, amplifying informed, localized narratives could be the key to aligning development with decarbonization.

India stands at a crucial crossroads. With the right mix of political will, technological investment, public engagement, and accurate media coverage, the country can meet its climate targets while ensuring sustainable development for its people.

This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard India Country Manager, Ankita Padelkar.

Edited by Diana Gastelum.