The government has been actively working towards improving India's ranking in terms of ease of doing business. Since 2014, the government has implemented various reforms to attract businesses and make the system more clean and efficient. As a result, India has seen significant improvements in its ranking, currently standing at 63rd globally.
One of the key strategies to boost economic growth is to integrate India into the global supply chain. This involves evaluating the impact of the global supply chain on productivity and across nations. India aims to identify areas for improvement and enhance its competitiveness in the global market.
However, economic growth cannot be achieved without considering the challenges posed by climate change. Rising temperatures, melting polar ice, and sea-level rise are some of the pressing issues that need to be addressed. These climate-related changes have far-reaching consequences, such as the submerging of coastal regions and a decrease in freshwater sources.
India, being an agricultural-focused country, is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Changes in temperature, rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events can significantly affect agricultural productivity and food production. Therefore, it is crucial for India to develop strategies for climate adaptation and resilience.
The government has initiated several schemes and plans to address climate change adaptation. These include the National Action Plan on Climate Change, State Action Plan on Climate Change, and National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture. These initiatives aim to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change on various sectors, including agriculture, water resources, and forests.
Furthermore, corporate social responsibility (CSR) plays a significant role in addressing climate change and sustainable development. In India, companies are mandated to allocate a portion of their profits towards CSR activities. This provides an opportunity for organizations to fund and support projects related to climate change adaptation and mitigation.
The government has progressively expanded the scope of CSR reporting over the years. Initially, it was mandatory for the top 100 listed companies to file a Business Responsibility Report (BRR) along with their annual reports. However, this has now been extended to the top 1,000 listed companies. These reports provide insights into a company's social, environmental, and economic responsibility, aligning their business practices with sustainable development goals.
India has also been actively involved in global climate change agreements and initiatives. The Paris Agreement, signed in 2015, aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. India has pledged to reduce its emissions intensity and increase the share of non-fossil fuel sources in its energy mix.
Despite these efforts, global warming remains a pressing concern. The current trajectory is projected to exceed the desired targets, leading to catastrophic consequences. Therefore, it is essential for India and other countries to collaborate and intensify efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.
In conclusion, India's focus on economic growth and development must consider the challenges posed by climate change. By improving resource use efficiency, integrating into the global supply chain, and implementing climate change adaptation strategies, India can move towards a sustainable and resilient future. The government's emphasis on CSR and corporate reporting further provides opportunities for funding and support in climate change-related initiatives. Collaborative efforts and international cooperation are crucial in addressing the global issue of climate change and steering towards a low-carbon and sustainable future.
