Climate Change Policy in India : The Alteration of Consumption Demand

摘要

If the promise made by India to cut the emissions intensity of GDP (from 2005 levels) by 33-35 % by 2030 is to be fulfilled, there have to be enormous developments in climate policy. Given that the presently available technological solutions or price disincentives would not, on their own, be enough to achieve the cut, additional policies aimed at the alteration of demand (that need not necessarily imply a reduction in well being) would be necessary. A largely coercive demand alteration policy package is presented. It includes improving greener alternatives, improving access to these alternatives (whilst making access to the more harmful product difficult) and reducing the very need for products. These have to be supported by tools to educate, inform and motivate. The State, however, may not adopt these policies unless there is pressure from its electorate and that would only occur with greater awareness.