World Environment Day 2025 – A Moment for Urgent Reflection and Collective Action

As the world unites to celebrate World Environment Day 2025, the sinking of the Liberian-flagged container ship MSC Elsa 3 off the Kerala coast confronts us with a stark and urgent reminder of the environmental crises we face. The ship was reportedly carrying hazardous chemicals, including calcium carbide, raising serious concerns about marine pollution and ecological safety. This tragic incident threatens the fragile marine ecosystem, underscoring the interconnected challenges spanning pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss that define our current era. It exemplifies how environmental degradation has direct and multifaceted impacts on the economy, society, culture, and especially vulnerable communities who disproportionately bear the brunt of ecological harm. 

The Current State of Our Environment: A Planet at a Crossroads

Today, the Earth grapples with escalating environmental threats. Climate change accelerates the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, including heat waves, floods, and cyclones, significantly impacting agriculture, water resources, and human health. Pollution—air, water, and land—continues to cause millions of premature deaths annually and disrupts ecosystems crucial to survival. In India alone, air pollution caused approximately 1.67 million premature deaths in 2019, accounting for 17.8% of total deaths in the country, while about 70% of surface water bodies are estimated to be polluted and unfit for consumption[1]. The loss of biodiversity weakens natural defences against these changes, compounded by ongoing habitat destruction and increasing threat from invasive species.

The environmental crisis manifests not only as a physical problem but as a complex social and economic challenge that amplifies existing inequalities. Marginalized groups, especially women, children, indigenous populations, and economically disadvantaged communities, are often the hardest hit, with limited capacity to adapt or recover. Their livelihoods are deeply connected to natural resources impacted by climate change, with worsening food security, health vulnerabilities, and social displacement underscored by the intensification of climatic risks. This nexus of environmental and social issues calls for inclusive, multi-dimensional solutions that transcend conventional policy frameworks.

Measures Taken So Far: Steps Toward a Greener Future

Despite the daunting challenges, substantial progress and interventions have been effected at both global and national levels. Internationally, initiatives like the Paris Agreement have galvanized nations towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting biodiversity. India, as a critical player, has ratified numerous environmental treaties and conventions, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the Montreal Protocol on  Ozone Layer Depleting Substances, aligning its domestic governance with global goals.

Domestically, India has laid a strong legislative and institutional foundation for environmental protection, including the Environment Protection Act of 1986, the Water and Air Prevention Acts, and the establishment of the National Green Tribunal.  Targeted missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) address renewable energy, energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable agriculture. According to Tracing the Hazy Air 2025: Progress Report on National Clean Air, campaigns such as the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) seek to reduce particulate matter by 40% in 131 cities by 2025-26; however, only 41 of 97 cities initially targeted met their goals, with many cities still exceeding National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for PM2.5 and PM10.

India's Commitment and Stride Towards the Environment

India’s commitments are bold and measurable. The country pledges to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% from 2005 levels by 2030, achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, and expand non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity to meet at least 50% of electricity demand by 2030. Progress is evident: as of September 2024, India’s renewable energy capacity reached approximately 201.5 GW, constituting nearly 44.5% of total installed power capacity, with solar and wind energy making significant contributions[2]. The government has enacted measures such as Bharat Stage VI emission standards, expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure, and massive investments in clean energy.

India’s leadership in global climate diplomacy, manifested through platforms such as the International Solar Alliance and active climate summits participation, further consolidates its environmental resolve. Furthermore, India’s climate finance needs are estimated at approximately USD 2.5 trillion by 2030 to meet its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets, highlighting the scale of investment required and the ongoing challenge of accessing affordable finance.

India's unwavering commitment to biodiversity conservation is reflected in an increasing number of protected areas in the environment. The recent inclusion of Khichan Phalodi and Menar in Udaipur, Rajasthan, to the Ramsar Convention's list of wetland sites brings the total number of Ramsar sites in India to 91, which demonstrates India's commitment to wetland preservation and conservation of ecological balance. This is also in line with India's other successful conservation practices and leadership, namely its success in protecting wildlife. India hosts the highest tiger population in the world, currently estimated at around 3,167 tigers, according to a recent census, accounting for over 70% of the global wild tiger population[3].

However, challenges persist. The wreck of the MSC Elsa 3 serves as a clear demonstration of the gaps in marine safety, challenges for disaster response, and threats to long-term environmental sustainability and coastal livelihoods. The wreck raises questions about regulations governing the transport of hazardous cargo, the state of outdated fleets, and environmental accountability in the international shipping industry. While the Indian economy develops, youth unemployment and disparities in social equity continue to stall its progress, which is further hindered by slow law-making and enforcement related to environmental protection.

The Way Forward: Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas for a Sustainable Planet

India’s path to sustainable development must embody the principle of Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas—inclusive participation and equitable progress. This demands integrated policies that holistically incorporate social, economic, political, and cultural dimensions alongside environmental safeguards.

First, policy approaches must elevate the voices and needs of vulnerable communities—women, children, indigenous peoples, and marginalized groups—ensuring access to resources, climate-resilient livelihoods, healthcare, and education. Developing frameworks for environmental justice and building capacity and support at the community level will provide some measure of resilience to these groups in navigating climate stress.

Second, economic transformation must take shape along green technology, sustainable agriculture, and circular economy lines, reducing pollution and consumption of resources while simultaneously generating inclusive employment. Supporting clean energy transitions across urban and rural infrastructure, promoting resource efficiency, and integrating natural climate solutions—such as afforestation and wetland revitalization—will anchor resilience efforts.

Third, governance should evolve to sustain long-term environmental protection, including robust enforcement of regulations, transparency in environmental data, and strengthening of disaster response systems informed by cutting-edge science. Enhanced coordination across federal and state agencies, as well as private sector engagement, will foster innovation and accountability.

Lastly, adopting cultural and educational initiatives can positively shift public behavior and attitudes toward conservation and sustainability. Promoting environmental literacy, honouring traditional knowledge, and igniting community-led environmental stewardship can cultivate a culture of care and responsibility

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[1] https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/bcnews/nation-world-society/international/air-pollution-in-inda.html

[2] https://www.nextias.com/ca/current-affairs/16-10-2024/indias-total-renewable-energy-capacity-crosses-200-gw-mark

[3] https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/tiger-countries