Potential 24.7% GDP Loss Looms for India by 2070 Due to Climate Disruptions, Warns Yadav – Insights from The Tribune

At a recent World Sustainable Summit, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav shared a striking warning: India could face a loss of 24.7% of its GDP by 2070 due to the impacts of climate change. He emphasized that countries in the Global South, like India, are playing a critical role in the fight against climate change.

Yadav highlighted a significant achievement, noting India reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 8% in 2020 alone. He pointed out that the Global South not only suffers from climate change but also has valuable insights and solutions for sustainable development.

The minister urged developed nations to meet their financial commitments under the Paris Agreement. He stressed the importance of international cooperation in strengthening Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to effectively tackle climate challenges and seize opportunities for action.

Furthermore, he emphasized that true sustainability requires recognizing the value of all forms of life. Environmental policies should focus on protecting wildlife and biodiversity. Yadav also discussed man-animal conflict, explaining that while a healthy wildlife population is good for forests, when animals venture into urban areas, it creates ecological imbalances.

Looking ahead, Yadav shared India’s vision for 2047—a developed nation by its 100th anniversary—with a target of net-zero emissions by 2070. He noted that India has already decreased its GDP emission intensity by 36% from 2005 to 2020.

He called for reforms in global governance, urging that equity and justice are prioritized in climate negotiations. Referencing the UNEP Adaptation Gap Report, he pointed out the urgent need for scaling up climate adaptation efforts. Greater financial support is crucial to help vulnerable regions implement solutions that build resilience and protect livelihoods.

Yadav criticized the COP29 agreement that aims to mobilize $300 billion per year by 2035 for climate finance. He argued that this figure is insufficient and could trap developing countries in cycles of underfunded climate action. He concluded that the proposed financial framework undermines equity and allows developed nations to avoid their responsibilities under the Paris Agreement, resulting in inadequate adaptation funding.

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