Why green industrialisation can no longer sit outside climate talks

The discourse around climate change has significantly evolved from merely reducing emissions to fundamentally reshaping global economies. Green industrialisation, at its core, refers to the development and promotion of industries that are environmentally sustainable, resource-efficient, and contribute to a low-carbon economy. This paradigm shift, highlighted by the article, is now taking centre stage in multilateral forums, necessitating its formal integration into the UN Climate Change Conferences (COP). The background to this shift lies in the growing scientific consensus on climate change and the inadequacy of traditional mitigation efforts. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), established at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, laid the groundwork for international climate action. Subsequent agreements like the Kyoto Protocol (1997) focused on emission reduction targets for developed countries. However, the landmark Paris Agreement, adopted at COP21 in 2015, marked a pivotal moment. It introduced a legally binding framework for all nations to submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Achieving these ambitious targets requires not just policy changes but a complete overhaul of industrial production and consumption patterns. Green industrialisation is not a new concept, but its urgency has intensified. Historically, industrial revolutions have been driven by fossil fuels, leading to unprecedented economic growth but also significant environmental degradation. The current imperative is to decouple economic growth from environmental harm. This involves fostering industries in renewable energy (solar, wind), electric vehicles, green hydrogen, sustainable agriculture, waste management, and circular economy models that minimize resource use and waste generation. Forums like the G7, G20, and various UN agencies are increasingly discussing green industrial policies as a robust pathway to achieve both economic resilience and climate goals. Key stakeholders in this transition include national governments, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society. Governments play a crucial role in setting policies, providing incentives, and creating regulatory frameworks. International bodies like the UNFCCC, World Bank, and UN Environment Programme (UNEP) facilitate cooperation, finance, and knowledge sharing. The private sector is vital for innovation, investment, and implementation of green technologies. Civil society organizations advocate for equitable transition and hold stakeholders accountable. Developed nations often lead in technology and finance, while developing nations, like India, face the dual challenge of economic growth and climate action. For India, green industrialisation holds immense significance. As the world's third-largest emitter and a rapidly developing economy, India's commitment to achieving Net-Zero emissions by 2070, as announced at COP26 in Glasgow, necessitates a massive green transformation. This transition is not merely an environmental obligation but an economic opportunity. It can drive new job creation, enhance energy security by reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels, and improve public health by curbing pollution. Initiatives like the National Green Hydrogen Mission and production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes for sectors like solar PV manufacturing and advanced chemistry cell batteries are strategic steps towards this goal. India's ‘Make in India’ initiative can be synergistically linked with green industrialisation, positioning the country as a global hub for sustainable manufacturing. From a constitutional perspective, India's commitment to environmental protection is enshrined in its fundamental laws. Article 48A of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) mandates that the "State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country." Furthermore, Article 51A(g) outlines a fundamental duty for every citizen "to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures." These articles provide the constitutional bedrock for enacting environmental legislation and policies, including those promoting green industrialisation. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, is a key legislative tool that empowers the central government to take measures for improving environmental quality. The future implications are profound. Integrating green industrialisation into COP talks would mean a more holistic approach to climate action, moving beyond just emission targets to concrete economic restructuring. It could lead to new global trade agreements focused on green products and services, fostering technological transfer, and potentially leading to 'green protectionism' if not managed carefully. The concept of a 'just transition' becomes paramount – ensuring that the shift to green industries does not leave workers and communities dependent on fossil fuels behind. It also implies a significant increase in climate finance and capacity building for developing nations. Ultimately, green industrialisation is about reimagining our economic future, aligning prosperity with planetary health, and ensuring a sustainable path for all nations.