Indias Climate Action SDGs Show Worsening Trend Despite Improved Overall Ranking
For the first time, India has entered the top 100 countries in the annual Sustainable Development Report, ranking 99th out of 167 nations in 2025, an improvement from its 109th position in 2024. However, the data reveals that only one-third of the nation’s Sustainable Development Goal targets, meant to be achieved by 2030, are “on track.” While significant progress is noted in areas like No Poverty (SDG 1) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), a worrying trend is observed in Climate Action (SDG 13), which shows a worsening trajectory. Stagnation is also apparent in other crucial environmental and urban development goals, highlighting persistent sustainability challenges.
Concerns are particularly pressing for Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), with environmental scientists pointing to unsustainable freshwater withdrawals and insufficient water circularity in industrial processes. Regarding Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), despite nearly universal electrification and expanding renewable energy capacity, coal continues to dominate India’s energy mix, resulting in persistently high carbon emissions. Energy analysts suggest that without a more accelerated shift towards greener energy sources, achieving this goal remains challenging, even as the nation’s economic growth exhibits improved carbon intensity compared to its past.
Furthermore, India faces significant hurdles in Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), where nearly one in four urban residents still live in informal settlements, and air pollution remains a severe issue, as corroborated by various global assessments. Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) also presents a critical concern, with economic expansion driving increased resource extraction and pollution. Efforts towards protecting Life Below Water (SDG 14) and Life on Land (SDG 15) show limited progress, plagued by issues like destructive fishing practices, deforestation, and ongoing habitat loss that conservation programs struggle to counteract.
India’s progress on socio-economic goals is commendable, yet critical environmental and climate challenges persist. The report signals that without a dramatic policy shift and vigorous implementation focusing on resource sustainability, green energy transition, and urban environmental quality, India risks falling short of its 2030 SDG commitments, impacting its long-term sustainable development trajectory.
