From deadly heatwaves and catastrophic fires to extreme downpours and sea level rise, the impacts of climate change are accelerating – driven by the burning of coal, oil and gas. Fossil fuels do more than destabilise the climate; they drive widespread health, social and economic harms, while fuelling instability around the world. The current war-induced energy crisis lays bare the inherent vulnerability of fossil fuel dependence.
Governments participating in the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels later this month are signalling their commitment to break the cycle of fossil fuel dependency. India cannot afford to miss this pivotal year to accelerate its pathway toward a just and resilient future. Delayed action will deepen exposure to climate risks and increase the human and economic costs already being felt across the country.
It is imperative that, even as India is not participating in the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels, it develops and publicly commits to a time-bound and equitable transition roadmap as part of a comprehensive just transition plan, with a strong focus on climate adaptation and resilience. This should include clear interim targets to scale up climate-resilient infrastructure, strengthen heat action plans, water security, and disaster preparedness, while accelerating decentralized renewable energy to improve energy access and affordability. India should also enhance social protection mechanisms to safeguard informal workers and climate-affected populations.
This brief outlines the core elements of a just transition away from fossil fuels, and the urgent, priority actions needed from national governments and through global co-operation to make it a reality. Justice is both the compass and destination – guiding the vision for the transition and the pathway to achieve it.
A just transition is not only about changing energy systems. It is about protecting lives, strengthening resilience, reducing inequality, and ensuring that communities are at the centre of climate action.