The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development provides the global community a plan of action to achieve the equilibrium of economic, social and environmental sustainability as envisioned by the United Nations. While India has taken a conscious lead in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the 2030 Agenda gives Industry a significant role to play in efforts to achieve the SDGs. Ensuring an environmentally sustainable future is a key priority for businesses in India, given the rising challenges from a variety of environmental issues and its adverse consequences.
CII is working with the Government and industry across India to encourage their commitment on sustainable initiatives in areas like air pollution, plastic waste management, climate change, energy efficiency, recycling water and eco-systems conservation.
To recognize businesses’ actions in combating climate change, CII introduced a recognition programme called the Climate Action Programme (CAP) 2.0° in 2018. CII is also working on better policy frameworks such as Extended Producer Responsibility Rules of Plastic Waste Management and end-of-life plastic management projects. The CII initiative ‘Cleaner Air-Better Life’ is being strengthened to scale up clean air solutions across urban and rural India by 2022.
This edition of the Policy Watch highlights some important environment sustainability issues in India. It also highlights some immediate gaps where policy intervention can help accelerate implementation of a circular economy, promote resource efficiency and help create a climate resilient Indian Industry.