Earth Day 2025 | Our Power, Our Planet: Time for Indian Businesses to Lead the Climate Story

Every year, Earth Day serves as a critical moment of reflection not only on the environmental crises confronting our planet, but also on the immense collective power we possess to address them. The 2025 theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” is both timely and resonant. It underscores a fundamental truth: the solutions to the climate crisis are not external; they lie within our choices, our leadership, and our commitment, particularly within the business and institutional spheres.

India has consistently demonstrated global climate leadership through progressive policy frameworks, ambitious national targets, and visionary stewardship. Today, that leadership must be mirrored and amplified across boardrooms and business strategies. The baton is now firmly in the hands of the private sector of companies, innovators, and decision-makers to embed climate action at the core of operations, investments, and value chains.

Earth Day 2025 is not just a call to reflect, it is a call to lead. To renew our power as agents of change, and to restore our planet through bold, scalable, and inclusive action.

At COP26, India made a bold and globally resonant declaration — the Panchamrit, a five-point climate commitment that signals a decisive shift towards a low-carbon future:

● Achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030

● Meeting 50% of energy requirements from renewables

● Reducing total projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes

● Cutting emissions intensity of GDP by 45%

● Reaching net-zero emissions by 2070

These are not just aspirations — they are actions already underway.

● As of 2025, India has achieved over 180 GW of renewable energy capacity.

● Since 2005, we have reduced our emissions intensity by more than 33%.

● According to the UNEP Emissions Gap Report 2024, India remains among the few G20 nations on track to meet its Paris Agreement targets.

But this isn’t just about climate responsibility — it’s about economic opportunity. A green transition opens doors to cleaner energy, quality jobs, more resilient and transparent supply chains, and long-term business sustainability. For companies, this is a moment to align with national priorities, future-proof operations, and lead the market toward inclusive, low-carbon growth.

For businesses aligned with the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact, this is the time to embed climate ambition, supply chain integrity, and just transition strategies into your core. By anchoring your climate action to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards, you don’t just support India’s climate promise — you turn it into lasting business value.

India is not new to climate leadership — we are a nation with a legacy of environmental vision and global recognition.

● Prime Minister Narendra Modi and environmentalist Afroz Shah have both received the UNEP Champions of the Earth award for their exemplary contributions to sustainability and grassroots mobilization.

● The late Dr. R.K. Pachauri was instrumental in the IPCC’s Nobel Peace Prize win, helping shape the scientific foundation of global climate policy.

● Ecologist Dr. Madhav Gadgil’s work continues to inform global biodiversity and conservation efforts.

These milestones have not only earned India global respect — they have positioned us as a key voice in the climate movement. But with recognition comes responsibility. The world is watching. More importantly, our future generations are watching. They are asking: How are we using the influence we’ve earned?

The answer lies with today’s business leaders.

India’s climate legacy now demands that our companies transform ambition into action — not just as a matter of corporate responsibility, but as a lever for innovation, resilience, and global relevance.

One key area for action is addressing Scope 3 emissions — the indirect emissions across a company’s value chain, from procurement to product use. For Indian industry, Scope 3 is the next frontier of climate leadership. Businesses are already stepping up by:

● Mapping their value chains for emissions hotspots

● Setting science-based targets through initiatives like the SBTi

● Collaborating with suppliers to build greener, more transparent ecosystems

Equally urgent is the transition to a circular economy, especially in high-impact sectors such as textiles, manufacturing, packaging, and construction. Companies leading this shift are:

● Redesigning products for reuse, recycling, and lower material intensity

● Eliminating waste through closed-loop processes and sustainable sourcing

● Investing in regenerative models that decouple growth from resource use

These are not just environmental imperatives — they are strategic opportunities. Cleaner operations, resource efficiency, cost savings, and resilient supply chains are competitive advantages in a climate-conscious global market.

By aligning with the UN Global Compact, embracing ESG principles, and accelerating progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Indian businesses can lead with credibility and impact — at home and on the world stage.

Our past has earned us influence. What we do now will define our legacy.

If you’re a business leader in India especially a member of UN Global Compact — now is the time to step up.

You’ve already made a public commitment to the Ten Principles and the SDGs. But the world and our country needs more. Faster.

Through our global “Forward Faster” initiative, we’re calling on businesses to act urgently in five areas: climate, gender equality, living wage, water and finance.

India’s NDCs can’t be met without you. But together, we can get there — and build businesses that are fit for the future. The science is clear. The UNEP Emissions Gap Report 2024 says we’re not on track to 1.5°C. We’re headed toward 2.5–2.9°C warming if we don’t act now.

But here’s the thing: the solutions already exist. The money is there. The tech is there. And in India, the will is growing every day from youth, entrepreneurs, states, and startups.

All we need now is for businesses to move — and move boldly.

What UNGC Offers — And Why It Matters

We know this transition is not easy. That’s why we’re here to walk alongside you. At UN Global Compact Network India, we support 500+ companies through:

● COP Reporting: A clear, credible way to show the world what you’re doing

● UNGC Academy: Practical learning to turn climate intent into action

● Climate Ambition Accelerator: A fast-track program to help you set net-zero targets

● Peer Learning Platforms: Where you connect with other leaders solving similar challenges

This isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about building companies that survive disruption, attract top talent, and earn public trust.

From Earth Day to Every Day

India’s global climate leadership is not aspirational – it’s real. We have the policies. We have the innovation. We have the recognition.

Now, it’s time for India’s businesses to carry that momentum forward. Because when Indian companies lead with purpose and principle, the world doesn’t just take note it follows. Let Earth Day 2025 be more than a symbol. Let it be a turning point where intention becomes action, and ambition becomes impact.

Let’s show the world what “Our Power, Our Planet” truly means: the power to reshape not only bottom lines, but the future of people and the planet.

At the UN Global Compact Network India, we’re with you — every step of the way.