~ Distinguished speakers including Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Lokesh Chandra, Bhumi Pednekar voiced their opinions on India’s urgent climate challenges ~
New Delhi: Times Network, India’s premium broadcast network hosted the second edition of the Adani presents Times Network India Climate Summit 2nd Edition Co-Powered by Mahavitaran in New Delhi. The summit convened policymakers, scientists, youth climate advocates, and international leaders to chart a practical path toward India’s net-zero future, sustainability, and climate resilience.
The special address at the Summit was delivered by Shri Bhupender Yadav, Hon’ble Union Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, who set the tone by outlining India’s climate agenda and the path toward sustainable action. Insightful sessions were delivered by distinguished speakers including Bhumi Pednekar, Actor and Climate Warrior (UN), Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General, India Meteorological Department (IMD), Lokesh Chandra, Chairman and Managing Director, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited, Ashish Khanna, Director General, International Solar Alliance, amongst others.
Delivering the special address, Shri Bhupender Yadav, Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, said, “Climate change is the defining challenge of our era, and India has adopted a proactive, action-led approach. We achieved our Paris Agreement goals on emissions intensity and renewable energy well before 2030, and are close to reaching our target of expanding the country’s green cover. Our climate efforts are rooted in equity and sustainability, reflected through global initiatives like the International Solar Alliance with France (now 137 member countries), the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, LeadIT, and our comprehensive Greenhouse Gas Inventory.”
Talking about The National Cooling Action Plan, he added, “There is another strategic step to promote long-term energy efficiency and environmental balance. Even without adequate international climate finance, India has forged ahead a balanced approach—prioritizing both ecology and economy, while encouraging citizen-led action through Mission LiFE and campaigns like Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.’’
Lokesh Chandra, Chairman & Managing Director, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited, said, ‘’ Maharashtra’s distribution company is the second-largest in Asia. As the state progresses toward a trillion-dollar economy, our energy demand is projected to exceed that of several developed nations. Nearly 30% of this demand comes from agriculture, with over 45 lakh farmers using electric pumps. To meet the long-standing demand for daytime power and reduce subsidy pressures, we are transitioning to solar through the Mukhyamantri Saur Krishi Vahini Yojana.
He further added, “Our target is 16,000 MW of decentralized solar by 2026—1,600 MW has already been commissioned. This shift is driving rural transformation, improving farm productivity, enhancing safety, and lowering supply costs. We’ve streamlined land acquisition, offered developer incentives, and launched skilling programs to enable rapid execution. The model has been recognised nationally and is being studied for replication across states.”
Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General, India Meteorology, IMD, said, ‘’India is undergoing a clear shift in heatwave patterns, caused by climate change. This rise in intensity and duration is closely linked to human-induced activities such as increased greenhouse gas emissions, rapid industrialization, deforestation, and urbanization. At IMD, we are strengthening our early warning systems and upgrading forecasting models to help mitigate risks and enhance preparedness at both institutional and community levels. However, forecasting alone is not enough. There is a collective need to reduce emissions, protect forests, adopt sustainable urban planning, and build climate-resilient infrastructure.”
Sharing a fresh and youthful take on fast fashion and popular culture, Bhumi Pednekar, Actor, Climate Warrior, and UNDP Advocate, said: “Fashion has immense power—it’s a form of expression, identity, and influence. I truly believe it can lead the way in building a more sustainable world. The shift we need is not about giving up style, but about being more thoughtful in how we consume. I support designers who champion conscious practices and celebrate Indian craftsmanship. I love vintage shopping, I repeat my outfits, I thrift—and I bring this mindset to my film sets too by encouraging the use of reusable bottles and reducing waste.
Adding her perspective on sustainable living, she added, “Sustainability isn’t a limitation—it’s a more meaningful, intentional way to live. When fashion is rooted in purpose, it becomes a powerful force for change. Our choices—what we wear, what we reuse, how we consume—can shape a better future.”
The India Climate Summit 2025 concluded with resounding participation, cross-sector collaborations, and renewed urgency for climate action. The summit underscored the critical need for unified efforts across all sectors and reaffirmed India’s commitment to advancing sustainable development and climate resilience on both national and global fronts.
