A green future is not an aspiration for tomorrow — it is a necessity for today. The cost of inaction will be far greater than the investment required now
Climate change is not a phenomenon to unfold in the future as many thoughts. It is happening right now in front of our eyes. And results are devastating — properties worth billions of dollars and precious lives are being lost to the nature’s fury. Flash floods, cloudbursts, melting glaciers and the rising sea levels — due to rising temperatures attributed to carbon emission — are happening now.
The recent flash floods in Uttarkashi are a grim reminder that climate change is no longer a distant threat but a rapidly unfolding reality. As torrential rains turned tranquil rivers into destructive torrents, washing away lives and livelihoods. India must act decisively — and urgently — towards a green future powered by renewable energy and sustainable practices. The devastation in Uttarkashi is not an isolated incident. Scientists have long warned that the Himalayan region is especially vulnerable due to melting glaciers, unstable terrain, and rising anthropogenic pressure.
Yet, development often proceeds with scant regard for ecological balance, and fossil fuels continue to dominate the energy mix. The country stands at a crossroads: Either transform its energy supply chain with urgency, or risk deeper human and economic losses. India’s push for biofuels, solar, wind, and electric mobility is commendable — but must be accelerated at a faster pace. The success of ethanol blending — achieving the 20 per cent target five years ahead of schedule — proves what focused policy and political will can accomplish.
Similar urgency must now extend to other sectors: From mainstreaming wind power in coastal states, to incentivising rooftop solar and green hydrogen. India needs a sweeping transition away from fossil fuels. This green shift brings wide-ranging benefits: More jobs per unit of energy produced, reduced air pollution, enhanced energy security, and support for rural livelihoods through biofuel feedstock production. A greener India is not only cleaner — it is smarter and more resilient.
However, this transformation will only succeed with systemic change. Urban planning must integrate climate resilience. Infrastructure must be future-proofed to withstand extreme weather. Development in ecologically fragile zones must be re-evaluated with long-term sustainability in mind. Policies must reward sustainability, penalise pollution, and invest in climate education, innovation, and public awareness. The Uttarkashi floods-like the cloudbursts in Himachal, landslides in Sikkim, and urban floods in Delhi and Mumbai-are nature’s repeated warnings that time is running out. A green future is no longer an aspiration for tomorrow-it is a necessity for today. The cost of inaction will far exceed the investment needed now. With its vast renewable potential and high climate vulnerability, India has both the responsibility and the opportunity to lead. The green transition is no longer just about economic growth — it is about survival. And the clock is ticking.
