How Indira Gandhi shaped India's climate stand 51 years ago

During the COP28 climate summit in December, India declared that it had achieved a balance between ecology and economy. In 1972, then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi addressed the Stockholm conference, outlining India’s climate stance as well as that of the global south.

Responding to Sweden’s request, the United Nations convened a conference in Stockholm in June 1972. Known as the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment (UNCHE), it marked the inaugural international gathering on human impacts on the environment.

The stance adopted by India’s then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, during the Stockholm Conference not only shaped the nation’s perspective but also influenced the developing world’s approach to climate change for decades. This established the “development versus environment” narrative over half a century ago.

India has steadfastly adhered to this policy stance, a focal point highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address at the COP28 Summit in Dubai on December 1. PM Modi emphasized that India has set an example by achieving a balance between “ecology and economy.”

Furthermore, he reprimanded affluent nations for being historically significant contributors to pollution while doing insufficiently to combat climate change.

INDIA’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE IN 1972

1. Origins of India’s Climate Stand: India’s commitment to climate action traces back to the inception of the National Committee for Environmental Planning and Coordination (NCEPC) in February 1972.

2. NCEPC’s Crucial Role: The NCEPC played a vital role in planning and coordinating environmental programs, offering essential insights that influenced Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s historic statements.

3. Evolution into Ministry of Environment and Forests: In 1985, the NCEPC underwent a transformation, evolving into the Ministry of Environment and Forests, solidifying its role in shaping India’s environmental policies.

4. Academic Circles and Climate Awareness: During this period, the understanding of climate change was predominantly confined to academic circles, with broader awareness yet to permeate the political sphere.

5. Turning Point: Stockholm Conference 1972: The Stockholm Conference in 1972 marked a turning point. Indira Gandhi’s influential plenary speech resonated globally, particularly shaping climate policy discourse for developing nations.

6. Gandhi’s Unique Contribution: Indira Gandhi, as the sole head of state, apart from the host, addressed the Stockholm Conference, leaving an enduring impact on the global dialogue on climate policy.

WHAT INDIRA GANDHI SAID AT STOCKHOLM CONFERENCE

1. Development Priorities vs. Environmental Concerns: During the initial discussions on environmental protection by affluent nations, the global south, including India, prioritized development and poverty alleviation. This perspective viewed environmental talks as a distraction from crucial tasks, a point underscored by Indira Gandhi.

2. Linking Environment and Economics: Indira Gandhi uniquely connected the preservation of the environment with economic considerations, emphasizing the interdependence of ecological well-being and sustainable economic development.

3. Resistance from Developing Nations: Maurice Strong, chairing the summit, recalled the resistance from developing nations who feared that the ecological focus might overshadow pressing issues like war and poverty.

4. Ecological Well-being and Human Prosperity: At the Stockholm conference, Gandhi articulated the interconnectedness of ecology and human well-being, stressing that environmental conservation should enhance the lives of the disadvantaged majority.

5. Poverty as a Root Polluter: Gandhi provocatively questioned whether poverty and need were not the greatest polluters, asserting that environmental protection couldn’t be divorced from the ongoing battle against poverty.

6. Survival Over Environmental Concerns:Indira Gandhi’s emphasis reflected the stark reality that, for many, survival took precedence over environmental concerns, highlighting the challenges faced by those for whom basic needs outweighed ecological considerations.

“Indira Gandhi emphasized the injustice of a minority consuming most resources, causing greater environmental harm than populous nations like India.” – Jairam Ramesh

Indira Gandhi’s speech delved into the intricate dynamics between developed and developing nations. She anticipated challenges as developing countries aimed to alleviate poverty without exacerbating global warming. Gandhi highlighted the paradox of the affluent world expressing concern for poverty in the developing world while advising against adopting their industrialized methods.

INDIA – THE CLIMATE WARRIOR UNDER PM MODI

1. India’s Climate Commitments:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing COP28 in Dubai, highlighted India’s low global carbon emissions at 4%, despite having 17% of the world’s population. He declared India’s achievement of non-fossil fuel targets ahead of schedule and outlined a goal to reduce emissions by 45% before 2030.

2. India’s Global Climate Leadership:
Under PM Modi, India has emerged as a global climate advocate. Initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure showcase India’s commitment to renewable energy and disaster resilience.

3. Poverty Alleviation Success:
India, under PM Modi’s leadership, has made significant strides in poverty alleviation. The percentage of people below the poverty line dropped from 55% in 1973-74 to 10.2% in 2022, with 415 million people escaping poverty according to the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index.

4. Rich World’s Climate Responsibility:
PM Modi’s remarks underscored the rich world’s lag in fulfilling climate fund commitments. Despite historical pollution, wealthy nations, as highlighted by a 2022 Oxfam report, fall significantly short of their $100 billion per year pledge to aid vulnerable countries in climate change mitigation.

5. Vision of Environmental Cooperation:
Indira Gandhi’s foresight in 1972 laid the foundation for global environmental cooperation. Her Stockholm Conference speech initiated the “development versus environment” narrative, emphasizing collective responsibility for the environment and influencing future international diplomacy on ecological matters.

6. Global South’s Voice on Climate:
Indira Gandhi’s 1972 speech gave a voice to the global south on climate change issues, outlining India’s and the developing world’s stance on environmental responsibility. The Stockholm Conference marked a pivotal moment in shaping the discourse on climate policy.

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