India’s top 5 challenges

World Environment Day 5 June 2015

Photo: Mohamed Malik

#1: Building Sustainable Cities

Photo: WRI/James Anderson

32 percent of India’s population lives in cities. By 2030, this figure will increase to 40%, i.e. 590 million people

India has the worst road safety record in the world. We must build sustainable transport systems that consider every travelers concerns including safety for

women and accessibility of public spaces for children or the aged.

Photo: EMBARQ

The top ten cities in India are estimated to produce 15% of the

GDP, with just 8% of the population and 0.1 % of land area.

The expansion of urban areas is unstoppable, but it needs to be planned.Optimizing major city infrastructure – especially transport and energy – will help

policy makers make the right investments.

Photo: EMBARQ

#2: Solving the energy crisis

Photo: WRI/James Anderson

Improved planning and effective enabling conditions can fuel the growth of sustainable, affordable and reliable power for all.

400 million people in India lack access to electricity

Photo: WRI/Johannes Friedrich

The new government has promised a 30-fold increase

in solar capacity by 2022

New models for buying, planning for and regulating electricity can be found by using renewable energy sources

Photo: WRI

#3: Stopping Climate Change

Photo: WRI

India is the world’s 3rd largest greenhouse gas emitter. It has low per capita emissions owing to its large population, about 30% of whom have had no part in creating these emissions.

Greenhouse gas emissions by cities, public institutions and corporates can be easily measured and reduced. More should do this voluntarily.

Photo: WRI/Dave Cooper

#4: Adapting to Climate Change

Photo: WRI/Robin Murphy

60% of India’s agriculture is rain fed.

A 20C increase in average global temperatures will result in an unpredictable monsoon. Mapping vulnerability and furthering adaptation initiatives will help

enhance the resilience of local communities.

Photo: WRI

#5: Forest and Landscape

RestorationPhoto: WRI

50% of land in India is degraded, posing threats to

food, water security, biodiversity and climate change measures

Restoration will generate economic, ecological and social benefits to people and planet.

Photo: WRI

86% of all India’s degraded land is agricultural

Large scale restoration will revitalize degraded land into healthy mosaics of sustainable agriculture, agroforestry and forests.

Photo:WRI/ Johannes Friedrich