Introduction:

Sustainability has become a buzzword in India, as the country strives to move from a developing nation to a developed one. The concept of sustainability revolves around making choices and actions that will have positive impacts on the environment, society, and economy. India, like other developing nations, has a long-standing history of disregarding environmental concerns in favour of economic growth. However, this model has proved to be unsustainable, and the country is now aiming to adopt more sustainable alternatives. With a population of over 1.3 billion people and growing rapidly, India has to balance the needs of its citizens and protect the environment. This article will examine the issues surrounding sustainability in India, including plastics, waste, and energy. We will also highlight some of the best practices that India can learn from other developed nations and identify the mistakes that India is making. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations offer a roadmap for nations to achieve prosperity while protecting the planet. Ultimately, this article will provide some tips on how India can become a sustainable, developed nation by 2050.

Why is plastic pollution such a hot topic in India?

India is the 12th largest plastic producer in the world, the country generates approximately 9.46 million tons of plastic waste annually, with only 60% being recycled. The remaining 40% ends up in landfills, water bodies, and oceans, causing severe environmental and health issues. Its plastic consumption rate is predicted to triple, from 12 million tonnes in 2018 to 37 million tonnes in 2025. The significant increase in plastic production is mainly due to the rise of the middle class, urbanization, and rising consumerism. Plastic is not biodegradable, and disposing of it poses significant challenges to the environment. The majority of plastic waste ends up in landfills, and only 40% of plastic waste is collected for recycling. However, recycling facilities in India are not equipped to handle the growing amount of plastic waste, as many are either small-scale or poorly funded. This leads to the majority of plastic waste in India being exported to countries like China, Malaysia, and Indonesia, where it is burned or dumped illegally. The Indian government has taken steps to address this problem by banning certain single-use plastics. However, these efforts are often met with resistance from industries and consumers alike.

India can learn from countries like Japan and Norway, where strict regulations have helped reduce plastic waste. Japan recycles 84% of its plastic waste, while Norway recycles 95% of its plastic bottles. Both countries have implemented policies that include incentivizing companies to reduce the amount of plastic they produce, phasing out single-use plastics, and encouraging consumers to bring reusable bags when shopping. India can also learn from Kenya, which has banned single-use plastic bags, leading to significant reductions in plastic waste.

Solution:

Bioplastics, made from renewable sources like corn starch, sugarcane, and potato starch, offer a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics. They are biodegradable and have a lower carbon footprint. Countries like Japan and the Netherlands have successfully integrated bioplastics into their economies, reducing their reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating plastic pollution. India, on the other hand, has been slow to adopt bioplastics. The high cost of production and lack of consumer awareness are significant barriers. To overcome these challenges, the Indian government could incentivize the production of bioplastics and launch awareness campaigns to educate consumers about their benefits. India has already begun implementing some measures to reduce plastic waste, such as banning single-use plastics in certain states and cities. However, these bans are limited in scope, as many plastic products still make their way into the waste stream. Moreover, it is essential to develop a more comprehensive policy to reduce plastic waste, one that includes incentives for manufacturers of biodegradable materials and encourages the public to adopt reusable products.

Waste: A Growing Concern?

With the increase in population, the amount of waste that India produces is also increasing. India produces over 100,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste every day, and this is expected to triple by 2030. The current waste management systems in India are not equipped to handle the volume of waste being produced. Many local authorities are struggling to provide adequate waste collection services, leading to illegal dumping in open spaces or waterways. The lack of waste management infrastructure poses risks to public health and the environment.

Countries like Sweden have set a global benchmark in waste management by achieving nearly zero waste to landfill. Sweden incinerates its waste to produce energy, with strict regulations to minimize emissions.

Solution:

India needs to invest in modernizing its waste management facilities and infrastructure to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. It also needs to encourage recycling at the local level, by incentivizing waste segregation and setting up recycling facilities in communities. Currently, India only recycles 20% of its waste, showing the need for more significant investments in recycling infrastructure.

Energy: The Need for Renewables?

India's energy demand is rapidly increasing due to population growth, urbanization, and industrialization. However, India still relies on coal, which accounts for 50% of the country's energy mix. Coal is not only a significant contributor to climate change but also generates air pollution, which poses risks to public health. India has set ambitious targets to increase renewable energy production to 175 GW by 2022, of which 100 GW will be solar energy.

Countries like Italy have successfully implemented large-scale composting programs, turning waste into a valuable resource for agriculture. India could benefit from adopting similar practices, particularly in rural areas where agriculture is the primary occupation. By promoting composting at the community level, India can significantly reduce its waste burden and improve soil health. Germany, which produced 47.9% of its energy from renewable sources in 2019. Germany has prioritized renewable energy, investing heavily in wind and solar power, and has implemented feed-in tariffs to incentivize renewable energy production from small-scale producers.

Solution:

India needs to invest in alternative sources of energy, such as solar, wind, and hydro, which are not only renewable but also have fewer environmental impacts. India also needs to encourage energy efficiency measures, such as the use of LED lighting, to reduce the country's energy consumption.

Air Pollution:

The Silent KillerAir pollution is a major environmental and public health issue in India. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 14 of the world's 20 most polluted cities are in India. The primary sources of air pollution include vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and the burning of agricultural residue.

To tackle air pollution, India has introduced measures such as the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which aims to reduce particulate matter pollution by 20-30% by 2024. However, these efforts are often hampered by a lack of coordination between government agencies and insufficient public awareness.

Electric Vehicles: A Breath of Fresh Air

Electric vehicles (EVs) present a viable solution to India's air pollution crisis. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, EVs can significantly cut down on vehicular emissions, which are a major contributor to air pollution. Countries like Norway have set ambitious targets to phase out internal combustion engine vehicles and transition to EVs by 2025.

India has also set its sights on increasing EV adoption, with a target of 30% EV penetration by 2030. However, challenges such as inadequate charging infrastructure, high upfront costs, and a lack of consumer awareness need to be addressed to achieve this goal.

Sustainable Agriculture: Feeding the Future:

Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy, employing nearly half of the country's workforce. However, traditional farming practices, such as the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, have led to soil degradation, water scarcity, and loss of biodiversity.

Sustainable agriculture practices, such as organic farming, crop rotation, and precision agriculture, offer a way to produce food while preserving the environment. Countries like Denmark and Switzerland have successfully implemented organic farming practices, reducing their reliance on chemical inputs and improving soil health.

India has made some progress in promoting organic farming through initiatives like the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), but the adoption rate remains low. To accelerate the transition to sustainable agriculture, the Indian government could provide subsidies for organic inputs, invest in research and development, and promote the benefits of sustainable farming practices.

Renewable Energy: Powering India's Future:

India has made significant strides in renewable energy, particularly in solar and wind power. The country has set an ambitious target of achieving 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022. However, challenges such as land acquisition, grid integration, and financing need to be addressed to meet this target.

Countries like Germany have successfully transitioned to renewable energy, with over 40% of their electricity coming from renewable sources. India can learn from Germany's experience by improving grid infrastructure, streamlining regulatory processes, and encouraging public-private partnerships in the renewable energy sector.

Mistakes India is Making:

India still has a long way to go before it becomes a sustainable nation. One of the essential mistakes that India is making is its failure to prioritize sustainability. India's economic growth has been given precedence over environmental concerns. This is evident in its investment in fossil fuels and the limited efforts to regulate businesses and industries involved in pollution. Although India has made some strides in sustainable development, such as the provision of electricity to rural areas and the promotion of clean cooking, more can be done.

Tips for a Sustainable India by 2050:

India can achieve sustainable development by 2050 by implementing several measures, including:

1. Prioritizing sustainability over economic growth.
2. Investing in renewable energy, waste management, and recycling facilities.
3. Enforcing stringent regulations that regulate businesses and industries involved in pollution.
4. Encouraging public policies and incentives that promote biodegradable and reusable products.
5. Educating citizens on sustainable lifestyles and practices.
6. Implementing the use of electronic vehicles and promoting clean transportation.
7. Incorporating sustainability reports into business operations.
8. Encouraging the emergence of sustainable accountants.

Sustainability Reporting: A Must for Indian Companies

As India strives to become a developed nation by 2050, it is crucial for businesses to embrace sustainability reporting. Sustainability reports provide transparency about a company's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance, helping stakeholders make informed decisions.

In countries like the United Kingdom and France, sustainability reporting is mandatory for large companies. India has also introduced voluntary guidelines for sustainability reporting through the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), but the adoption rate remains low.

Why is sustainability reporting not a hot topic in India? Is it because companies fear exposing their environmental footprint, or is it simply seen as an unnecessary burden? To make sustainability reporting a norm, the Indian government could mandate it for all publicly listed companies and provide incentives for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt it.

The Need for Sustainability Accountants:

With the growing importance of sustainability in business, there is a rising demand for sustainability accountants. These professionals specialize in measuring, reporting, and managing a company's ESG performance. By integrating sustainability into financial decision-making, sustainability accountants help businesses reduce risks, improve efficiency, and enhance their reputation.

Countries like the United States and the United Kingdom have already recognized the importance of sustainability accountants, with several universities offering specialized courses in this field. India, on the other hand, is still in the early stages of developing this profession.

By promoting sustainability accounting as a career option, India can create new opportunities for its youth and ensure that businesses are better equipped to navigate the complexities of sustainable development.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals: India's Path to a Developed Nation:

The United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a blueprint for achieving a better and more sustainable future for all. India has made progress on several SDGs, such as reducing poverty (SDG 1), and improving access to clean water and sanitation. The Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to provide tap water to every household by 2024, is a step in the right direction but requires rigorous implementation and monitoring. (SDG 6), and promoting affordable and clean energy (SDG 7). However, challenges remain in areas such as quality education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), and climate action. The International Solar Alliance, led by India, is a commendable initiative, but the country needs to accelerate its transition to a low-carbon economy (SDG 13).

To achieve the SDGs by 2030 and transition to a developed nation by 2050, India needs to prioritize sustainability in all aspects of its development. This includes investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, promoting gender equality, and taking bold action to combat climate change.

Conclusion:

India stands at a critical juncture in its journey toward sustainable development. By addressing key issues such as plastic waste, air pollution, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy, India can pave the way for a greener and more prosperous future. The adoption of sustainability reporting and the promotion of sustainability accounting as a profession are also crucial steps in this journey.

As India looks to the future, it must learn from global best practices and tailor them to its unique context. By embracing sustainability at all levels, from individual actions to corporate responsibility, India can transition from a developing to a developed nation by 2050. Will India seize this opportunity, or will it continue to lag? The choice is ours to make.

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