1.
India’s top 5 challenges
World Environment Day
5 June 2015
Photo: Mohamed Malik

2.
#1: Building
Sustainable CitiesPhoto: WRI/James Anderson

3.
32 percent of India’s population lives in cities. By 2030, this
figure will increase to 40%, i.e. 590 million people
India has the worst road safety record in the world. We must build sustainable
transport systems that consider every travelers concerns including safety for
women and accessibility of public spaces for children or the aged.
Photo: EMBARQ

4.
The top ten cities in India are estimated to produce 15% of the
GDP, with just 8% of the population and 0.1 % of land area.
The expansion of urban areas is unstoppable, but it needs to be planned.
Optimizing major city infrastructure – especially transport and energy – will help
policy makers make the right investments.
Photo: EMBARQ

5.
#2: Solving the
energy crisis Photo: WRI/James Anderson

6.
Improved planning and effective enabling conditions can fuel the growth of
sustainable, affordable and reliable power for all.
400 million people in India lack access to electricity
Photo: WRI/Johannes Friedrich

7.
The new government has promised a 30-fold increase
in solar capacity by 2022
New models for buying, planning for and regulating electricity can be found by
using renewable energy sources
Photo: WRI

8.
#3: Stopping
Climate Change Photo: WRI

9.
India is the world’s 3rd largest greenhouse gas emitter. It has
low per capita emissions owing to its large population, about
30% of whom have had no part in creating these emissions.
Greenhouse gas emissions by cities, public institutions and corporates can be easily
measured and reduced. More should do this voluntarily.
Photo: WRI/Dave Cooper

10.
#4: Adapting to
Climate Change Photo: WRI/Robin Murphy

11.
60% of India’s agriculture is rain fed.
A 20C increase in average global temperatures will result in an unpredictable
monsoon. Mapping vulnerability and furthering adaptation initiatives will help
enhance the resilience of local communities.
Photo: WRI

12.
#5: Forest and
Landscape
Restoration Photo: WRI

13.
50% of land in India is degraded, posing threats to
food, water security, biodiversity and climate change
measures
Restoration will generate economic, ecological and social benefits to
people and planet.
Photo: WRI

14.
86% of all India’s degraded land is agricultural
Large scale restoration will revitalize degraded land into healthy mosaics of
sustainable agriculture, agroforestry and forests.
Photo:WRI/ Johannes Friedrich