India’s Climate Governance Gap

In this episode, journalist Puja Mehra speaks with Economist Dr. Anoop Singh about the gap between India’s ambitious climate commitments and the institutional framework required to deliver them. As India moves closer to its 2030 targets, Singh argues that the real challenge lies not in announcing goals but in building the legal and fiscal architecture to implement them.

Drawing on international experience and recent developments — including the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling recognising the constitutional right to be free from the adverse effects of climate change — Singh explains why India remains one of the few major economies without a comprehensive national climate law. They discuss how fragmented, sector-specific policies have led to uneven implementation, why coordination between the Centre and states remains weak, and how climate finance cannot be mobilised or monitored effectively without clear institutional structures and climate budget tagging.

The conversation also examines state-level innovations in places like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Assam, and asks whether these “islands of excellence” can evolve into a coherent national framework. Tune in for a closer look at the structural reforms needed to move India from fragmented efforts to a unified climate strategy.

SHOW NOTES

(00:00) Introduction

(01:05) India’s Current Climate Change Targets

(02:11) Supreme Court’s Landmark Climate Ruling

(04:13) Why India Lacks National Laws

(06:04) Improving Cooperation Between Indian States

(07:45) Reviewing Current National Climate Institutions

(09:15) Securing International Climate Finance Needs

(11:39) How States Spend Climate Funds

(13:12) Global Models for Climate Accountability

(16:12) Closing the Macroeconomic Data Gap

(18:04) Success Stories From Indian States

(20:59) Parliament's Role in New Legislation

(22:45) Building a National Climate Consensus

(23:53) Final Thoughts

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