In the heart of South Asia, there lies a country renowned not just for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse cultures, but for its deep respect towards Dharti Maa (Mother Earth). This country is India- where ancient wisdom towards promoting sustainability and respect for nature was deeply rooted, long before it’ became global buzzword’. From the majestic Himalayas in the north to the backwaters of Kerala in the south, every corner of this vast country reflected a harmonious coexistence with nature. But today, there is a 360° switch as the nation that once epitomized environmental stewardship is now the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases. The air is now thick with smog, rivers are polluted by industrial waste, and its rich biodiversity is facing unprecedented threats. According to the Environment Performance Index (EPI) 2024, India ranked 176th among 180 countries in the overall index. While this is a slight improvement from the bottom rank in 2022, it signifies an urgent need for introspection and decisive action.
What is Environment Performance Index (EPI)?
Environment Performance Index (EPI), developed in partnership with Yale and Columbia Universities, is a report that evaluates a nation’s environmental health. It assesses 180 nations using 40 indicators that are categorized into ten segments- resource depletion, biodiversity, air and water quality, climate change, sanitation and wastewater, fisheries, forests, and health effects.
Dissecting India’s Performance in Key Areas
India’s environmental challenges have reached critical levels, necessitating urgent action to address its sustainability issues. In the Environmental Performance Index, India ranks 176th out of 180 countries with a score of 27.6, surpassing only Pakistan, Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar. The country’s heavy reliance on coal significantly impacts air quality, emissions, and biodiversity conservation.
Let’s delve deeper into these critical areas that requires immediate action on a ground-level:
· Air Quality: Despite slight progress in climate change mitigation, India scores poorly in air quality and sanitation. With notable levels of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter (PM2.5), its air quality performance is among the worst in the world. India ranks 129th in the EPI’s index of air pollution, which is concerning considering the country’s dense population and quick urbanization. Air pollution is mostly caused by the nation’s automobile emission and industrial operations.
· Biodiversity and Habitat: India’s rich biodiversity is in danger. Since 1900, nearly 500 species of animal have gone extinct due to pollution, deforestation, and habitat loss. The country is ranked 178th in the world by the EPI for habitat protection and biodiversity, which highlights the negative effects of rapid urbanization and development. The balance of the ecosystem and wildlife is severely impacted by the loss of natural habitats and as a country, we must unite.
· Water and Sanitation: The nation ranks 104 in the EPI. It’s an indicator of the fact that the nation is facing severe challenges in water and sanitation. Water pollution from industrial effluents, and inadequate sewage treatment are significant issues. The country’s water resources are under immense pressure from over-extraction and pollution, affecting both human health and the ecosystem.
· Climate Change: India’s GHG emissions are among the highest globally, despite its status as a developing country. The nation’s economic growth and industrial activities have led to increased energy consumption, predominantly from coal, oil, and natural gas. According to the 2024’s EPI, the country’s rank is 133 out of 180 countries. This highlights that India’s efforts in reducing carbon emissions are insufficient compared to the scale of the problem and the country’s reliance on coal for energy, which is expected to continue, worsen this issue.
Let’s Investigate the Cause: Several factors contribute to India’s poor environmental performance such as:
· Dependency on Coal: According to a recent report on the Energy Statistics 2024 released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, India remains largely dependent on coal as its primary energy source, resulting in significant emissions. According to the report, in FY23, electricity produced from coal accounted for approximately 77.01% of all energy generated. Electricity from nuclear, hydro, and other renewable energy sources followed at 7.6%, and natural gas came in at 6.8%.
· Rapid Industrialization: The Indian economy growth was 8% in the last fiscal year and is likely to remain the fastest-growing country one in coming years. However, growth in the economy is often accompanied by rapid industrialization, but environmental degradation is a common side effect as well. A combination of weak enforcement and inadequate pollution control measures exacerbate the problem.
· Deforestation and Land Degradation: India’s ecological balance is threatened by unsustainable land use practices, deforestation for agriculture and development projects, and soil erosion.
A Ray of Hope: Change-Initiatives
· Enhancing Renewable Energy: India must quicken its switch to renewable energy sources in order to improve its environmental performance. Enhancing energy efficiency and growing solar and wind energy projects can both dramatically lower greenhouse gas emissions. Initiatives from the government, like the National Solar Mission and the more recent Green Hydrogen Mission, are a positive start, but more ambitious goals and execution are needed. It is admirable that India is committed to building 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and has made great strides towards putting in more than 100 GW of solar and wind power. However, to get the best result, aggressive investment in solar, wind, and other clean energy sources is essential.
· Pollution Control: India needs to step up its efforts to reduce pollution, especially in cities. Important actions include encouraging public transportation, tightening industry and vehicle emission regulations, and improving air quality monitoring systems. According to recent reports, 39 of the world’s 50 most polluted cities are in India, highlighting the urgency of this issue. To cater to this issue, the government has introduced the Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) emission norms, which are among the most stringent globally and aim to reduce vehicular emissions significantly. However, more advanced pollution control regulations, increased funding for public transportation projects, and expanded air quality monitoring networks are needed to completely eradicate this issue.
· Conserving Biodiversity: Protecting biodiversity requires preserving and repairing natural habitats. As of January 2023, the protected areas of India cover 173,629.52 square kilometres (67,038.73 sq mi), roughly 5.28% of the total geographical area of the country. Conservational projects like Project Tiger and Project Elephant have contributed to the stabilization and growth of these species’ populations. However, a long way is left to scale for ensuring that these efforts are sustainable.
· Policy and Regulations: Strong environmental governance is fundamental to achieving sustainable development. India needs robust policies that integrate environmental considerations into all sectors of the economy. In August 2022, India updated its NDC according to which target to reduce emissions intensity of its GDP has been enhanced to 45 percent by 2030 from 2005 level, and the target on cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources has been enhanced to 50% by 2030. Additionally, international cooperation and knowledge sharing, such as through the International Solar Alliance, can support India’s efforts to improve its environmental performance.
Conclusion: India’s ranking in the EPI 2024 serves as a wake-up call. While the country faces significant challenges, there are also opportunities for improvement through enhanced renewable energy adoption, pollution control, sustainable water management, and biodiversity conservation. By addressing these issues holistically and proactively, the country can improve its environmental performance and contribute to global sustainability goals.
The index serves as a critical tool for policymakers, providing insights into areas that require attention and improvement. It is essential for India to take these findings seriously and work towards a greener and more sustainable future.
