India’s developmental narrative has seen multifaceted opportunities and challenges- from uplifting the poor and increasing connectivity between rural and urban India to comprehensive human development, eliminating gender biases, and increasing employment and health security along with the rise in environmental consciousness. Primus Partners’ recent report titled “India’s Turn to Lead by 2047,” highlights the significance of this interconnected nexus of climate, health, and women in shaping the vision of a developed nation by 2047, through a nationwide survey.
The rise in global temperatures continues to wreak havoc on the world’s most vulnerable population, destroying livelihoods and washing away communities. In India, the stark reality of climate change is undeniable, with temperatures rising by 1.3 degrees Fahrenheit (0.7 degrees Celsius) from 1901 to 2018 alone. While the nation faces significant challenges from heat waves devastating crop yields to torrential rains causing flooding on one hand, it also contributes 5% to this rising temperature (UNEP 2023). Furthermore, the World Bank’s 2023 findings reveal a staggering statistic: 98.8 per cent of Indians are exposed to “unsafe” and “hazardous” levels of PM2.5 pollutants leading to a surge in respiratory ailments and premature deaths.
Undoubtedly, the intersection of climate challenges and public health is alarming, marked by a surge in heat-related illnesses and the spread of vector-borne diseases, compromising access to clean air, potable water, nutritious food, and secure shelter, thereby exacerbating health vulnerabilities. Additionally, India’s healthcare system grapples with glaring disparities in accessibility, affordability, and quality of care. Consequently, millions are pushed into poverty annually due to out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. 36% of the surveyed population in the report emphasized the pressing need for strengthening public health infrastructure and empowering healthcare workers to ensure comprehensive and effective healthcare delivery. Universal healthcare emerges as a potent solution, not only for addressing these inequities but also for driving broader socio-economic development. While initiatives like Ayushman Bharat strive to bridge these gaps by providing financial protection and strengthening primary healthcare, sustained investments are imperative to scale up these efforts and achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of ensuring healthy lives for all.
Managing Director
Primus Partners
Against this backdrop, the recently announced 2024-25 Union Budget earmarks INR 90,658.63 Cr for Health and Family Welfare, along with INR 3,265.53 Cr for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. While this allocation signifies a crucial step towards addressing immediate concerns, it is imperative to chart out comprehensive and forward-thinking strategies that align with global initiatives while prioritizing sustainability and ensuring a resilient future for generations to come.
Women, among the most vulnerable affected by development challenges, face exacerbated gender-based health disparities due to climate change, jeopardizing their societal roles. With the highest estimated female labour force participation of 62.9% in agriculture (PLFS 2021-22), their vulnerability to climate-related challenges underscores the strategic necessity of elevating ‘Nari Shakti’ for a Viksit Bharat, where gender-inclusive policies are integral to sustainable development. In the survey, 21% speak of the significance of social welfare, encompassing inclusive policies, women empowerment, gender equality, wealth disparity reduction, and awareness among economically marginalized sections. Despite barriers, Indian women actively shape climate policies and sustainability initiatives, from grassroots to national levels, exemplified by leaders like Medha Patkar and Vandana Shiva, and emerging voices like Licypriya Kangujam and Ridhima Pandey.
Co-Founder & Managing Director
Primus Partners
In response to these pressing issues, India has made significant strides in climate action, demonstrating commitment under the Paris Agreement and participating in the COPs. The national Panchamrit action plan of 2023 sets ambitious targets to finally pave the way for achieving a Net-Zero emission target by 2070. Afforestation efforts, such as the National Mission for Green India, have been intensified to enhance carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation. India’s global leadership in climate action is exemplified by initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, Lifestyle for Environment and Mission Innovation uniting the world in a collective effort to mitigate climate change’s adverse effects and secure a resilient future for all.
Hence, realising the intertwined nature of climate action, universal healthcare, and ‘Nari Shakti’ is essential for India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat. Empowered women, equipped with education and decision-making abilities, are pivotal in spearheading climate resilience initiatives and advocating for healthcare policies that prioritize women’s well-being. We have witnessed the success of the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) in empowering women to tackle climate change through sustainable agriculture practices and community-resilient efforts by promoting ‘green livelihoods- based’ jobs in rural areas. Addressing these interconnected avenues holistically fosters inclusive and sustainable development, where the welfare of women is central to environmental and healthcare sustainability. Hence, integrated policies prioritizing the three are imperative. Collaborative efforts between policymakers, civil society, and citizens are vital for implementing sustainable solutions and ensuring a resilient, equitable, and prosperous India. By collectively focusing on these avenues, India can create a brighter and more inclusive future for all in 2047.
