A landmark four day symposium ‘India 2047 Building a Climate-Resilient Future’ begun at Bharat Mandapam New Delhi, gathering policymakers, industry leaders, scientists, and civil society representatives to shape India’s strategy for climate adaptation. Organized by The Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute and The Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability at Harvard University, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the event aims to craft a roadmap for a resilient India by its centenary of independence in 2047.
The symposium’s inaugural session saw the participation of prominent figures, including Shri Suman Bery Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog, and Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Other notable attendees included Shri Tarun Kapoor, Adviser to the Prime Minister, Mr. James H. Stock, Vice Provost of Harvard University, and Mr. Tarun Khanna, Director of The Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute.
Emphasizing India-Centric Climate Adaptation
Delivering the keynote address, Shri Suman Bery stressed the need for India-centric adaptation strategies that integrate economic growth with sustainability. He advocated for decentralized, community-driven solutions tailored to local environmental challenges and called for better documentation of adaptation case studies across South Asia to strengthen regional climate resilience.
Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh reaffirmed India’s role as a climate leader, particularly in the Global South. He highlighted India’s progress in reducing emissions and expanding renewable energy but stressed the urgency of strengthening adaptation measures to protect infrastructure, ecosystems, and livelihoods. He also called for increased climate finance promoting blended finance models, risk-sharing frameworks, and private sector investments to scale adaptation efforts.
The discussions also focused on mobilizing financial resources for climate resilience. Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh underscored the importance of green bonds, concessional financing, and climate-resilient infrastructure funds in supporting adaptation measures. He emphasized the role of South-South and Triangular Cooperation in sharing best practices and accelerating climate action.
Shri Tarun Kapoor provided insights into direct interventions, advocating for improved early warning systems, affordable food security programs, and localized climate forecasting to mitigate risks.
In a video address, Harvard University President Alan M. Garber emphasized the institution’s commitment to climate research and introduced The Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability, which focuses on interdisciplinary climate solutions. Vice Provost James H. Stock highlighted the importance of partnerships with local organizations to develop effective, region-specific adaptation strategies.
Four Key Themes Driving Climate Resilience
The symposium is structured around four crucial themes:
- Climate Science and Agriculture-Water Security – Addressing changing weather patterns, monsoon variability, and its impact on food and water resources.
- Health Risks from Climate Change – Examining threats like heat stress, vector-borne diseases, and pollution-induced illnesses.
- Labor Productivity and Workforce Adaptation – Studying the impact of climate extremes on workers and developing strategies to ensure economic stability.
- Resilience in the Built Environment – Promoting sustainable urban planning and climate-proof infrastructure to protect communities from disasters.
- These thematic discussions involve expert roundtables and technical sessions, bringing together policymakers and industry experts to identify practical solutions.
Governance and Policy Implementation
A significant part of the symposium focuses on improving governance for climate adaptation. Panelists are discussing institutional reforms, policy implementation strategies, and ways to translate climate policies into tangible benefits for communities and industries.
The insights generated at the event will contribute to India’s first National Adaptation Plan (NAP). A National Stakeholder Workshop organized by MoEFCC on March 18, 2025, served as a precursor to align discussions with national climate goals. The recommendations from this symposium will play a crucial role in shaping India’s long-term climate adaptation policies.
As India envisions becoming a developed nation by 2047, integrating climate resilience into urban planning, industrial growth, and rural development is essential. The symposium highlights the need for collaborative efforts, innovative financing, and strong governance to build a sustainable future.