With the COVID-19 pandemic slowing down and the economy recovering strongly, India’s development pathway must now focus on two key areas: Climate change and job creation. The next decade will be decisive in achieving these twin goals. The first requires a rapid transition away from fossil fuels as well as adapting to disruptive new weather patterns; the second entails the creation of millions of high-quality jobs every year, for all of India’s young workforce. India needs to ensure that its youth have access to employment, while simultaneously shifting to a deep decarbonisation pathway. The failure to address these challenges will likely result in widespread distress, unchecked migration into collapsing cities, and significant social strife. India’s actions in the next few years will determine whether its development model can ensure sustainable prosperity for all. The choices are stark, the consequences profound.
India’s decisive decade | ORF (orfonline.org)
