The Economic Survey 2024-25, released on January 31, highlights India’s urgent need for climate adaptation measures while criticizing the lack of international climate finance. The report warns that reliance on domestic resources could hinder development goals.
The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is formulating a National Adaptation Plan (NAP) to align with sustainable development and climate resilience strategies. Meanwhile, the Initial Adaptation Communication (IAC) submitted to the UNFCCC outlines India’s vulnerability assessment and adaptation efforts across key sectors.
In agriculture, India is focusing on climate-resilient crops, groundwater conservation, and soil health. Urban adaptation measures include improved water management under AMRUT, vertical greenery initiatives, and the Urban River Management Plan (URMP). Coastal regions are combating erosion and cyclones through mangrove restoration under the MISHTI scheme, with over 22,500 hectares restored so far.
Despite these efforts, international climate finance remains inadequate. The New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) set at COP29 falls far short of the estimated $5.1-6.8 trillion needed by 2030. The survey criticizes developed nations for failing to meet their climate finance obligations, warning that India’s sustainable development objectives could suffer without global support.