Environmental Sustainability in India: Progress, challenges and prospects to climate action (Sustainable Development Goal 13)

Abstract

The notion of sustainable development has evolved into the definitions of the three pillars of sustainability: social, economic, and environmental. Environmental sustainability is characterized by emphasizing its bio-geophysical dimensions. This entails preserving or enhancing the integrity of the Earth's life-support systems. This paper examines India's achievements in environmental sustainability through Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13, which deals with climate action. It further assesses India's progress on four parameters: disaster preparedness, renewable energy, industries complying with environmental standards, and environmental education and awareness. Its findings suggest that India has made progress in achieving the renewable energy target (13.2.1) but must enhance its performance on national indicators in achieving SDG 13, including mortality from extreme weather events, air pollution, and poor disaster management, dependence on fossil fuels, atmospheric pollution, and budgetary limitations. In the end, the paper highlights potential opportunities to achieve these objectives.