India stands at a crossroads in the fight against climate change. It’s the world’s third-biggest carbon emitter, and in February 2026, Hilary Clinton encourages India to boost climate efforts at Mumbai Climate Week with a clear message: India needs to do more, think bigger, act faster, lead from the front. She called for real innovation, stronger partnerships, and bold policies, especially now, as countries across the Global South pick up the pace on climate action.

India pumps out about 7.6% of the world’s greenhouse gases, roughly 4,344 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, and in 2024 alone, it added another 165 million tonnes, which was the biggest jump anywhere that year. Still, if you break it down per person, India’s emissions are about 3 tons each, less than half the world average of 6.4 tons.

India’s Climate Change Scenario: Commitments and Progress

The climate change commitments of India are primarily based on its revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement:

Climate Change Targets

• Achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, India’s long-term climate change vision.
• Reduce the emissions intensity of GDP by 45% from 2005 levels by 2030.
• 50% of total installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030 (already achieved five years ahead of schedule in 2025).
• Add at least 2.5-3 billion tonnes of carbon sink through forests and trees by 2030.

India’s installed renewable energy capacity (solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear) has crossed 50% of the total installed electricity capacity as of mid-2025, five years before its 2030 climate commitment. However, the share of renewable energy in overall electricity generation is lower, with coal being the primary fuel.

Hilary Clinton encourages India to boost climate efforts, which is no longer merely about the amount of emissions produced, but about transitioning in ways that create sustainable outcomes that ensure people remain alive, that they can sustain their livelihoods, and that they have a hope for future economic success.

Below is a simple snapshot comparing India’s climate metrics with key targets:

Data sources: multiple climate tracks and government reports.

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Hillary Clinton’s Message: Why It Matters Now

At Mumbai Climate Week, Hilary Clinton encourages India to boost climate efforts and emphasized three main messages that will have resonance for both India and the Global South:

1. Climate Leadership from the Frontlines: India’s policies and innovations must align with global ambitions while being based on solutions that will work for vulnerable populations.

2. Climate Collaboration Across Borders: The collaboration between government, private sectors, NGOs, and civil society will speed up the adaptation and mitigation of climate change.

3. Climate Innovation and Equity: Technology, including micro-insurance, solutions for renewable energy, and AI-based governance, will enhance climate resilience without compromising social equity.

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Challenges Remain: Reality Check

Although there has been considerable progress, India is confronted with tough climate change challenges:

• GHG emissions continue to rise in absolute terms, and India had the highest annual increase in 2024, with an addition of 165 Mt CO2-eq.
• Coal continues to be the primary source of energy, and fossil fuels continue to drive economic growth.
• Climate change vulnerability is high, and climate change-related urban heat, industrial pollution, and weather-related events pose a growing threat to agriculture, health, and the environment.
• Climate finance remains a challenge, and developing countries demand greater support from developed countries.

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A Turning Point for India’s Climate Leadership

India is at a turning point in its climate journey, where it has to balance its economic ambitions with its climate ambitions. While there are achievements in terms of renewable energy capacity addition and reduction in emissions intensity, there are also challenges in terms of rising emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

Hilary Clinton encourages India to boost climate efforts as an acknowledgment of India’s increasing importance in global affairs rather than a criticism of its current performance. With its distinct role as a large emerging economy, its commitment to global climate agreements, and its rapidly developing clean energy sector, India has the potential to lead the world in transformative climate solutions.

The next decade will be critical for India, where success will depend on its ability to balance its economic and climate ambitions.

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FAQs

Q1 – Why are India’s GHG emissions rising even as renewable capacity grows?

India has been growing rapidly in its production of energy and in its industrial output, which has led to a rise in total GHG emissions. Despite the growth of renewable energy sources in terms of installed capacity, this growth has not completely displaced fossil fuel use in India, which continues to drive GHG emissions.

Q2 – What is the importance of India’s commitment to become net-zero by 2070?

India has set a long-term goal of being net-zero by the year 2070. While this goal is much later than the timelines established by many of the world’s developed countries, it does reflect India’s commitment to both equity and continued economic growth.

Q3 – What is the purpose of initiatives such as Mission LiFE and government policies supporting clean energy?

The purpose of such initiatives is to both lower GHG emissions and improve energy efficiency of the economy, and to help build climate resilience across all sectors of the economy – all of which is essential to achieve both short and long-term climate goals.

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