Former Union Minister of State for Finance and Civil Aviation, Jayant Sinha, has issued a stark warning about the future of New Delhi’s climate, cautioning that the city could witness extreme temperatures approaching 50 degrees Celsius if India does not urgently pursue decarbonisation and sustainable development measures. His remarks came during the Transition Accelerator (ITA) event, co-organised with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), where he addressed the growing climate and environmental challenges facing the national capital.

Delhi’s Climate Crisis: Air Pollution and Rising Temperatures

Sinha highlighted the alarming deterioration in air quality, noting that the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi has crossed 300, largely due to fossil fuel-based vehicular emissions. He emphasised that these worsening conditions are indicative of the broader climate shifts India is experiencing.

“Maximum temperatures in Delhi are going to be over 50 degrees Celsius in the future if we do not go for decarbonisation,” Sinha warned. He further described the situation as a “moment of reckoning” for India, pointing out that even after Diwali, night temperatures in Delhi remain unusually high, compelling residents to continue using air conditioners well into late autumn.

The former minister argued that the current trajectory of urban development is unsustainable unless India aggressively reduces its carbon emissions. “We have to reduce our carbon gases dramatically. We have to get to net zero by 2070. Development has to happen, but we have to decarbonise. What about clean water and clean air? We need all of it,” he said, stressing the interconnection between environmental sustainability and quality of life.

India’s Carbon Footprint and the Urgency of Action

Drawing attention to India’s growing contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, Sinha noted that the country emits over 3.5 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases annually. He warned that without immediate measures to transition to renewable energy, green infrastructure, and low-carbon technologies, India’s urban centres—particularly Delhi—could face catastrophic heatwaves and deteriorating living conditions.

“The development of India cannot come at the cost of the environment,” Sinha said. He emphasised that economic growth and sustainability must advance hand in hand, and that the nation’s path to becoming a USD30 trillion economy would hinge on integrating climate-conscious policies into all sectors of development.

Viksit Bharat and Sustainable Bharat: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Sinha articulated a vision that intertwines economic prosperity with environmental stewardship, describing Viksit Bharat (Developed India) and Sustainable Bharat as inseparable goals. “If you want to develop India with the GDP of a developed country, we need to build clean and green in India. That is the path for sustainable prosperity,” he stated.

He stressed that India’s next phase of economic expansion must be powered by renewable energy sources, electric mobility, and low-carbon technologies, and that industries, policymakers, and citizens must share the collective responsibility of ensuring the country’s growth is environmentally sustainable.

“India’s rise will only be meaningful if it is built on a foundation of clean air, pure water, and climate resilience,” Sinha said. “We can move forward on a sustainable trajectory while remaining globally competitive.”

Transition Accelerator: Unlocking Clean Industrialisation

At the ITA event, James Schofield, Managing Director of the organisation, outlined the initiative’s vision to support India’s transition to a green industrial economy. He said the ITA has identified a pipeline of 65 commercial-scale green industrial projects across sectors such as aluminium, cement, steel, chemicals (including ammonia and methanol), aviation, and shipping.

“These projects represent over USD150 billion in investment potential, 200,000-plus jobs, and more than 160 million tonnes CO₂ equivalent in emissions abatement,” Schofield noted. He emphasised that the initiative aims to mobilise policymakers, financiers, and industry leaders to overcome key investment barriers and catalyse India’s clean industrialisation.

A Call to Immediate Climate Action

The warning from Jayant Sinha underscores the urgent need for decisive climate action in India, particularly in urban centres like Delhi, which face the dual threats of extreme heat and toxic air pollution. Experts agree that without a transition to decarbonised energy systems, sustainable transport, and resilient infrastructure, cities could face not only unlivable temperatures but also increased health risks, economic disruption, and social stress.

Sinha’s message highlights the interconnected nature of climate, development, and human well-being. He called for long-term, integrated policies that simultaneously address India’s growth aspirations and its environmental commitments, warning that failure to act could make extreme heatwaves—like those approaching 50°C—a reality for millions of residents in Delhi and other urban areas.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sinha framed the climate crisis as both a challenge and an opportunity. By embracing green industrialisation, renewable energy adoption, and sustainable urban planning, India can achieve economic prosperity without compromising environmental integrity. His remarks at the ITA event serve as a stark reminder that the window for action is narrowing, and that the decisions made today will determine whether Delhi and other major cities can remain livable in the decades to come.