World Environment Day 2025: The Crucial Role of Development Management Leaders in Building Climate Resilience

On World Environment Day, it’s important to shift our focus. Climate change is often seen through the lens of carbon emissions, electric vehicles, and renewable energy. But at its core, it’s a human crisis. In India, the harsh realities of climate extremes are hitting hard. A study from the Department of Science and Technology shows that over 80% of Indian districts are at high risk for floods or droughts. Unfortunately, rural and marginalized communities feel these impacts the most.

As disasters increase, they worsen existing inequalities in health, jobs, and gender. We need to center our approach on people. This means building support for development management professionals who can empower communities to adapt and thrive.

The Blind Spot in Climate Action

Despite the seriousness of climate issues, discussions often revolve around policy, technology, and money. While these elements matter, they aren’t enough. The real stories include people losing homes, livelihoods, and ecosystems. We need solutions that are adaptive and connected to the social fabric of our communities.

The social sector plays a crucial role here. NGOs, self-help groups, and local organizations are often the first to respond when disasters strike. They understand what communities need and how to provide the right support. For example, during extreme weather events, they help families get back on their feet and adapt to changing conditions.

Learning from Local Efforts

Across India, community-led projects show how local knowledge can boost resilience. From restoring traditional water systems to changing farming practices, these initiatives help communities deal with vulnerabilities. The Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) is one such example, supporting women farmers in adopting sustainable practices.

Yet, the social sector remains underfunded in India’s climate plans. Most green finance targets large projects, while adaptation efforts—vital for vulnerable communities—receive far less support. New policies, like the Climate Finance Taxonomy, offer potential but face slow implementation.

Closing the Investment Gap

Some believe the social sector lacks the scale or expertise to lead climate efforts, but this misses a key point: resilience relies on relationships and trust. Organizations in this sector know their communities well and can connect government and technology efforts to real-world solutions.

Investment in leadership is crucial. The India Philanthropy Report 2025 by Bain & Company and Dasra shows that this sector has grown over the years, now reaching nearly ₹25 lakh crore (about USD 300 billion) in 2024. However, many leaders in these organizations lack access to the management training that their counterparts in corporate sectors receive.

To really scale effective community action, we must invest in the people behind it.

Building Future Leadership

We need to foster a new generation of development management professionals supported by fellowships and institutions that build skills in the social sector. Reimagining corporate social responsibility (CSR) to fund long-term growth rather than just projects is essential.

Interestingly, a report by Sattva Consulting found that only 19 Indian non-profits reported incomes over ₹100 crore in the fiscal year 2021-22. Many companies allocate individual CSR budgets exceeding this amount, revealing a gap between available funds and organizations directly helping vulnerable populations.

While India has set ambitious climate goals, achieving them requires addressing leadership gaps in adaptation efforts. Social sector leaders aren’t just providers; they are essential for transformative change.

In a country as diverse as India, climate action needs to be people-centered. The social sector is already engaged in this work, often behind the scenes. If we genuinely want to tackle climate change, we must prioritize the voices and capacities of those working on the ground every day.

Ravi Sreedharan is the President and Co-founder of the Indian School of Development Management.

Published – June 05, 2025, 03:01 pm IST

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Climate change
social sector work for climate change
Climate resilience India
India climate change 2025