Decoding resource efficient climate mitigation : lessons from EU to develop missing policy links for India

Abstract

India is yet to adopt a policy framework for resource efficiency and circular economy. At the COP 26, India announced ambitious emission reduction targets for 2030 and a net zero by 2070. Achieving these extra miles will require integration of resource efficiency along with its existing climate and other sectoral policies. India’s emission and resource consumption rates are already alarmingly high. At the same time, the country is still in the process of securing access to basic services for all which will further increase its per capita consumption and emissions. Thereby, it is essential for India to build a material efficient circular economy using the scope of its transitioning economy while achieving its climate and sustainable development commitments. The policy brief discusses why integrating material efficiency is critical for achieving Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals. Taking the European Union’s flagship Circular Economy Action Plan and the following policies and practices in Europe as a lead, this brief analyses the existing relevant policy frameworks in India and makes recommendations towards a best-case scenario for a National Resource Efficiency Policy.