However, in the current scenario with global temperatures having risen by 0.85° C, the world is experiencing phenomenal distress manifested in unpredictable weather patterns resulting in loss of life and livelihoods impacting economies in millions. Monsoon - the lifeline of the Indian rural economy has also seen a change in its pattern affecting 52% of the population directly dependent on agriculture. A predicted loss of productivity of up to 40% is expected by 2100. India is also impacted by multiple natural disasters affecting 50 million people annually and an estimated annual damage of 70 million USD. This burns a hole in the economy pushing our country backwards rather than moving it forward in the growth trajectory.

The current trend of commitments, researches and various climate modelling have indicated a world above 2° C. However, there have been demands especially from the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDs) to demand more ambitious targets from developed countries and commit to a 1.5° C temperature rise as they see a threat to their very existence. The world will have to brace itself to more unpredictability in the coming years. It will have to explore pathways which are least carbon intensive and prepare vulnerable communities to adapt.

Inarguably, energy is at the crux of development in a country like India where 300 million people still lack access to electricity. The government too realises this and has been investing in building its energy security. However, an all-out fossil fuel based growth story in the changing climate scenarios will push it back rather than moving it forward. Renewables for last mile electrification is an important aspect to steer economic growth. Decentralised renewable energy systems facilitate access to electricity at the same time engineering local economic growth prospects. In India, the share of renewables in the total energy mix of the country has risen from 7.8% in 2008 to 12.3% in 2013. Some reports have indicated that by 2050, renewables will constitute about 69% of the total electricity produced.

Efforts need to be made to provide a level playing field for renewable energy and lead investments in a sustainable direction. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has estimated that consumer subsidies to fossil fuels amounted to US $548 billion in 2013 (IEA, 2014b) whereas in the same year, subsidies to renewable energy were estimated at US$121 billion. This high level of subsidies to fossil fuels clearly creates a disadvantageous position for the uptake of renewable energy. Efforts have been made by countries like Sweden to price carbon using CO2 taxation as a main policy instrument to bring down fossil fuel consumption. This effort has significantly brought down fossil fuel consumption over the last 20 years especially in household and services consumption. Similar efforts also need to be made in India for reducing fossil fuel consumption at household levels. The National Mission on Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE) launched by the Government of India in June 2010 with an outlay of INR 2.35 billion is expected to result in savings of nearly 23 million tonnes oil-equivalent of fuel in coal, gas and petroleum products by 2015.

Efforts in R&D are also required to bring down carbon levels from industrial installations looking at low carbon emitting technologies and products. One industry which contributes to 5% of CO2 emissions globally is cement. Research is being done globally on Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) as an alternative to bring down carbon emissions and support sustainable growth. The study being carried out globally on LC3 indicates 50% reduction in CO2 compared to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). Research by the Technology and Action for Rural Advancement (TARA) and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi in India with support from SDC have shown that LC3 cement can be produced economically in several scenarios that exist in India reducing CO2 emissions from cement production. Hence, investments in technology and capacities are required for looking at alternatives which fuel economic growth, facilitate responsible production and consumption systems and cut down carbon emission levels.

Clearly countries like India are putting more than what is demanded of them in the climate deal to be sealed in Paris trying to change their image from a naysayer to willingness to put in more and demanding the same from other players who matter as well. What is required in Paris is as follows:

"I am what I am because of who we all are" - the Ubuntu philosophy surmises the focus which the global climate agreements should be working towards in Paris for a world which is fair, just and kind. q