The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), in collaboration with Harvard University’s Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute and the Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability, will host the ‘India 2047: Building a Climate-Resilient Future’ conference in New Delhi from 19th–22nd March 2025. This landmark event will focus on adaptation strategies and resilience-building to address climate change challenges, bringing together policymakers, academia, private sector leaders, and international experts to develop a roadmap for a sustainable and climate-resilient India.

Market and Industry Outlook: As India advances towards its centenary of independence in 2047, climate resilience is emerging as a cornerstone of sustainable development. With increasing climate volatility—evident in erratic monsoons, rising temperatures, and water stress—the nation must adopt robust adaptation frameworks. India is at the forefront of integrating climate strategies into policy, aligning with global trends where climate resilience is not just an environmental concern but a key economic and social imperative. The conference will serve as a crucial platform to shape future policies, inform investments in climate-resilient infrastructure, and drive research-led innovations. By addressing climate’s impact on agriculture, health, labour productivity, and the built environment, the discussions will provide insights to strengthen industries and safeguard livelihoods in the face of environmental change.

The conference will be inaugurated by Shri Suman Bery, Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog, and Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh. Prominent speakers include Prof. Tarun Khanna, Director of The Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute, Prof. Jim Stock, Vice Provost for Climate and Sustainability at Harvard University, and Prof. Daniel P. Schrag, Professor of Environmental Science and Engineering at Harvard University, alongside key representatives from the Indian government and industry leaders.

Over four days, the conference will feature breakout sessions and technical discussions under four key themes:

Climate Science and its Implications on Agriculture and Water – Addressing the impact of climate change on water security, changing monsoon patterns, and agricultural resilience. Health – Examining the consequences of extreme heat and climate-related health risks, bringing together global health professionals and system experts. Work – Analysing climate change’s effects on labour productivity and workforce adaptability in India’s rapidly evolving economy. Built Environment – Exploring strategies for climate-proof infrastructure to withstand rising temperatures in urban and rural areas. Cross-cutting themes such as governance, traditional knowledge, gender, livelihood and skilling, and climate financing will be central to discussions. These deliberations will result in tangible outputs, including research papers, technical reports, and policy briefs that contribute scientific evidence to global climate adaptation initiatives.

The conference aims to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration among government, academia, and the private sector, fostering a shared commitment to climate resilience. With India positioned as a global leader in climate adaptation, the discussions will directly shape the upcoming National Adaptation Plan, ensuring it is inclusive, evidence-based, and aligned with broader development goals.

As climate change remains an urgent challenge, this high-level conference will play a pivotal role in setting the course for India's climate policies and sustainable future.

Image Source: Shyam Metalics