Will climate change cause civilizational collapse according to the 2025-26 Economic Survey?

The 2025-26 Economic Survey suggests that climate change will have meaningful consequences but is unlikely to produce civilizational collapse.

How does India's Economic Survey view the relationship between economic growth and climate strategy?

The survey views economic growth and prosperity as complementary to climate strategy, as they strengthen resilience and reduce vulnerability.

What cautionary tales does the Economic Survey provide regarding renewable energy adoption?

The survey highlights infrastructure challenges in countries like the Netherlands and Spain, where rapid renewable energy deployment led to grid disruption and connection issues.

Home / Business and Economy / India Bets on Growth for Climate Resilience

India Bets on Growth for Climate Resilience

29 Jan

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Summary

Climate change has consequences, but not civilizational collapse.
Economic growth is key to climate resilience and adaptation.
Rapid renewable energy adoption can cause infrastructure issues.

India Bets on Growth for Climate Resilience

The 2025-26 Economic Survey posits that climate change, while impactful, will not lead to civilizational collapse. It advocates for innovation and targeted investments as more sustainable low-carbon pathways than rapid, growth-hindering constraints. The survey suggests that emission cuts should be subordinate to adaptation strategies, stressing that economic growth strengthens resilience.

"Development is, in itself, a form of adaptation," the document states, arguing that scarce fiscal resources should not be diverted from critical areas like health and poverty reduction for near-term mitigation goals. Examples from the Netherlands and Spain are cited as cautionary tales of infrastructure fragility when renewable energy is deployed too quickly without adequate support systems.

The survey also notes a tonal shift from figures like Bill Gates, suggesting climate ambition should not increase human suffering. It emphasizes that raising climate ambition in India requires corresponding financial and technological support. A credible transition from fossil fuels depends on reliable non-fossil energy sources and a well-defined emissions pathway.