Prakriti 2025: India Hosts First International Conference on Carbon Markets

India’s Big Step Toward a Low-Carbon Economy

Prakriti 2025: India Hosts First International Conference on Carbon Markets: On February 24–25, 2025, New Delhi hosted Prakriti 2025, the first International Conference on Carbon Markets in India. The event, organized by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power, brought together over 600 global delegates, including policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, and international organizations. The central focus was building a structured carbon market that balances economic growth and environmental responsibility, as India works toward a net-zero future.

Why Carbon Markets Matter for India Now

Inaugurating the conference, Union Minister Manohar Lal highlighted that India is moving away from fossil fuels toward renewable energy, and a carbon market is key to making this transition cost-effective and transparent. He linked India’s cultural ethos—such as Ganga Deep Puja and Govardhan Puja—to sustainable living, and stressed the importance of verifiable emission reductions. With India’s rising global role in climate action, carbon markets can ensure accountability and inclusivity in the energy transition.

Indian Carbon Market (ICM): Timeline and Vision

Shri Akash Tripathi, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Power, outlined the phased implementation of the Indian Carbon Market (ICM). The market aims for a 40% reduction in emissions by 2027, with full implementation by 2030. Businesses will be able to trade carbon credits, encouraging industries to cut emissions and invest in cleaner alternatives. The system’s success will rely on stable regulation, active industry participation, and robust market oversight.

Global Challenges and Governance Needs

World Bank’s Thomas Kerr warned that global rules like the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) may affect Indian exports, especially steel and aluminum. He emphasized early domestic action to stay globally competitive. Former Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa called for strong governance mechanisms, including MRV (Measurement, Reporting, Verification) frameworks to maintain transparency and build global trust in India’s carbon market.

Climate Action Through Public Engagement

Actress and UN Goodwill Ambassador Dia Mirza underscored the role of citizen participation through India’s LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) mission. She advocated for youth-led sustainable choices, showing that climate solutions begin at the individual level. Sessions also focused on carbon pricing, renewable incentives, Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, and nature-based solutions to support India’s net-zero goals.

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