India Sustainability Mission: Steering Towards A Greener Future

As the fifth largest economy in the world, India is on the way to becoming one of the top three economies by 2030. However, with this growth comes the responsibility to ensure that it is sustainable and beneficial not just for the present but for future generations. The India Sustainability Mission (ISM), launched by NDTV, is a six-week campaign aimed at sparking essential conversations around sustainability. This mission aligns with India's commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070 and stresses the importance of promoting sustainable practices and eco-consciousness.

India's Journey Towards Net-Zero

India's journey toward achieving Net Zero by 2070 has been marked by significant initiatives and policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy. 

According to government data, the country has already made substantial progress:

• National Solar Mission: India has become one of the largest solar power producers globally, with installed solar capacity reaching 67 GW as of 2024.
• National Hydrogen Mission: This initiative aims to make India a global hub for green hydrogen production, targeting 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen production per annum by 2030.
• Energy Efficiency Improvements: The government has launched various schemes to promote energy efficiency in industries, such as the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme, which has resulted in significant energy savings.

Campaign Overview

The ISM campaign will kick off with a one-hour special episode that showcases India's journey toward becoming a sustainable and conscious nation. This episode will feature discussions with industry leaders, policymakers, and government representatives.

Key Events:

• Campaign Launch: A dialogue featuring notable figures such as such as Shri Sudeep Jain, IAS, Additional Secretary, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy; Dr. Geetanjoy Sahu, Chairperson, Centre for Climate Change & Sustainability Studies, TISS; Prof Ashok Pandey, Distinguished Scientist & Executive Director (Honorary), Centre for Energy & Environmental Sustainability; Mr Harjeet Singh, Head of Global Political Strategy, Climate Action Network International; and Mr Pankaj Kumar, Co-Founder, Quant Solar & Infrashakti Award winner. 
• ISM Conclave: A one-day event that will bring together visionaries, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss the role of technology and innovation in creating a greener future. 
• Fireside Chats and Panel Discussions: These sessions will be packaged into six half-hour episodes to be aired on NDTV 24x7 and NDTV India. Topics will range from sustainability in the automobile sector to green energy financing and the transition to a circular economy.
• Episode Series: A six-part digital-first series, called the ‘Guardians Of The Earth' underlining individuals making significant contributions to sustainability. Examples include Bheraram Bhakhar, who has planted over 4.28 lakh trees to prevent desertification in Rajasthan, and Parmita Sarma and Mazin Mukhtar, who founded Akshar School in Assam to provide education to underprivileged children. These Guardians of the Earth demonstrate that people's power can change the planet. Through their work, they show us that local action can have a global impact. The Guardians of the Earth series showcases the impact of people-driven action on environmental change. It highlights the need for collective action and community-led initiatives to drive sustainability.
• The mission will conclude with a special "Walk The Talk" episode. 

What are the changes we are experiencing at the global level due to climate change?

Climate change is affecting us in more ways than one can imagine. Wildfires, heatwaves, glaciers melting and unexpected flooding have triggered the debate on global warming. Not only that, but the situation has brought health agencies and global bodies under one umbrella to brainstorm and find solutions to cope with the situation.

As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), climate change is expected to cause approximately 2.5 lakh “additional deaths per year between 2030 and 2050, from undernutrition, malaria, diarrhoea and heat stress alone.”

Heatwave: The intense heatwave has been a cause of concern for people around the world. With the Sun showing no sign of mercury, the brutal heat was unbearable.

 Melting Glacier/Snow: The adverse effects of ice melting are known to all. It leads to a rise in water levels, which is worrisome.

 Wildfire: There has been a sharp increase in the frequency of wildfires. Recently, Greece and Turkey suffered the consequences of mankind as local authorities and firefighters were battling round the clock to control the situation. The dense fire has destroyed dozens of homes.

Sponsorship partners

The India Sustainability Mission is co-powered by ACC & Ambuja Cement and Gallant, who have shown their commitment to sustainable practices in their industries. Provident has also joined as an associate sponsor, reinforcing their dedication to building a greener future.