At the Transition Accelerator event held in the capital, former Union Minister of State for Finance and Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha issued a strong warning regarding the future impact of climate change on India. He stated that New Delhi could witness temperatures rising up to 50 degrees Celsius in the coming years if immediate steps toward decarbonisation are not undertaken.
The event was organised in collaboration with the Boston Consulting Group and the Confederation of Indian Industry, where experts and industry leaders discussed the urgent need for climate-responsive economic strategies.
Rising Air Pollution and Heat Concerns
Sinha highlighted that New Delhi is already experiencing deteriorating air quality and increasing temperature levels, a trend that is expected to intensify without decisive action. He pointed out that India currently emits more than 3.5 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases annually, making it essential to prioritise climate-safe development pathways.
Balancing Economic Growth with Climate Responsibility
According to Sinha, India must adopt strategies that allow economic growth to progress alongside sustainability goals. He advocated for a stronger push toward renewable energy, the expansion of green infrastructure, and a transition to electric mobility systems across urban and rural sectors.
He further stressed that adopting clean energy technologies is not only an environmental necessity but also an economic opportunity capable of creating new industries, jobs, and innovation-driven progress.
Call for Policy and Industry Collaboration
Sinha urged policymakers, businesses, and civil society to act collectively, stating that climate action is no longer optional but critical. He noted that successfully decarbonising key sectors such as power, transport, manufacturing, and construction will determine India’s ability to adapt to a rapidly changing climate.
As temperatures and pollution levels continue to rise, the need for sustainable development models has become more urgent than ever. The call for decarbonisation, as highlighted by Sinha, marks a crucial step toward safeguarding public health, environmental stability, and long-term economic resilience.