India 2047: Charting a Climate-Resilient Future Through Policy, Innovation, and Global Collaboration

In his keynote address, Shri Suman Bery emphasized the importance of India-centric adaptation strategies that integrate economic growth with environmental sustainability.

A groundbreaking four-day symposium, ‘India 2047: Building a Climate-Resilient Future’, has commenced at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, bringing together key stakeholders from government, academia, industry, and civil society to deliberate on India’s climate adaptation and resilience strategies. Organized by The Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute and The Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability at Harvard University, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India, the event aims to set the stage for a comprehensive roadmap to a climate-resilient India by the nation’s centenary of independence in 2047.

A Convergence of Policymakers, Experts, and Innovators

The inaugural session on Day 1 witnessed participation from esteemed dignitaries including Shri Suman Bery, Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog, and Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Other prominent attendees included Shri Tarun Kapoor, Adviser to the Prime Minister of India, Mr. James H. Stock, Vice Provost of Harvard University, and Mr. Tarun Khanna, Director of The Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute.

A Call for India-Centric Climate Adaptation Strategies

In his keynote address, Shri Suman Bery emphasized the importance of India-centric adaptation strategies that integrate economic growth with environmental sustainability. He highlighted the necessity of fostering flexible governance frameworks that can be tailored to local needs. Stressing that adaptation should be community-driven, he called for robust documentation of case studies and deeper intellectual exchanges within South Asia to build a more resilient region.

Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh reinforced India’s role as a global leader in climate advocacy, particularly for the Global South. He underscored that while India has made remarkable progress in mitigation through renewable energy expansion and emission intensity reduction, a sharp focus on adaptation is crucial to safeguarding livelihoods, ecosystems, and infrastructure against climate threats. The Minister also stressed the need for enhanced climate finance to bolster adaptation initiatives, calling for blended finance models, risk-sharing frameworks, and stronger private sector engagement.

Strengthening Climate Finance and Resilience Investments

Expanding on the financial aspect of climate resilience, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh highlighted the importance of scaling up financial resources to support adaptation strategies. He outlined key financial instruments such as green bonds, concessional financing, and climate-resilient infrastructure funds. He also emphasized the necessity of South-South and Triangular Cooperation to share knowledge, accelerate clean energy innovation, and strengthen decentralized governance models that empower local communities.

Shri Tarun Kapoor provided a pragmatic perspective, stressing the need for actionable solutions that ensure direct resource flows to individuals and communities. He particularly emphasized the importance of early warning systems, accessible climate forecasts, and affordable food security measures to mitigate climate-induced vulnerabilities.

Harvard University’s Role in Climate Solutions

A video address by Mr. Alan M. Garber, President of Harvard University, highlighted the university’s commitment to developing impactful climate solutions. He introduced The Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability, which focuses on interdisciplinary research for durable and effective climate action. Additionally, Mr. James H. Stock, Vice Provost of Harvard University, emphasized the significance of partnerships with local organizations to devise context-specific adaptation strategies. Mr. Tarun Khanna further elaborated on integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern scientific advancements to create holistic solutions.

Four Key Themes for Climate Resilience

The symposium will focus on four thematic areas essential to India’s adaptation priorities:

1. Climate Science and Implications for Agriculture and Water Security – Addressing shifting weather patterns, changing monsoon dynamics, and the impact on food production and water resources.
2. Health Risks and Climate Change – Examining climate-induced health threats, including heat stress, vector-borne diseases, and the long-term impact of pollution.
3. Labor Productivity and Workforce Adaptation – Assessing how extreme weather affects workers and developing adaptation strategies for occupational health and economic productivity.
4. Resilience in the Built Environment – Exploring sustainable urban planning, resilient infrastructure, and climate-proof housing to protect communities from disasters.

The event features high-level plenaries, expert roundtables, and technical sessions, where policymakers, scientists, and industry leaders will discuss sector-specific challenges and best practices for mainstreaming adaptation.

The Role of Governance in Climate Adaptation

A crucial aspect of the discussions revolves around strengthening governance mechanisms to ensure effective climate adaptation. Panelists are deliberating on enhancing institutional capacity, fostering multi-stakeholder coordination, and translating policies into tangible, on-ground actions that safeguard communities, economic stability, and natural ecosystems from climate risks.

Contributions to India’s First National Adaptation Plan (NAP)

The insights from this symposium will significantly contribute to the formulation of India’s first National Adaptation Plan (NAP). The National Level Stakeholder Workshop, organized by the MoEFCC on March 18, 2025, served as a precursor to this symposium, aligning discussions with national adaptation objectives. The deliberations at this event are expected to shape evidence-based policy recommendations that will integrate climate adaptation into India’s broader development agenda.

A Vision for 2047: Sustainable, Resilient, and Inclusive Growth

As India aims to become a developed nation by 2047 (Viksit Bharat 2047), it is imperative to embed climate resilience into policy frameworks, urban planning, industrial growth, and rural development. The symposium underscores the necessity of multi-sectoral collaboration, innovative financing, and community-driven approaches to ensure a climate-resilient future.

The next three days will see intensive discussions, case study presentations, and policy recommendations that will set the foundation for a resilient and sustainable India. With a combination of strong governance, innovative financing, scientific research, and grassroots participation, India is poised to lead the way in climate adaptation, not just for itself, but for the Global South.