🌍 Are We Taking a Step Back on Net Zero?

𝐀 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐦𝐢𝐝 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐬

2025 was meant to be a pivotal year in climate action — yet the global landscape is seeing strategic slowdowns and rollbacks. While countries had pledged ambitious targets under the Paris Agreement and COP commitments, recent actions point toward growing friction between economic priorities and climate ambition. From policy reversals and diluted mandates to corporate re-investments in fossil fuel infrastructure, we are witnessing a trend of retreat rather than resolve. The energy trilemma — balancing security, affordability, and sustainability — is increasingly tilting toward short-term fixes and political expediency.

The question we must confront is this: Are we taking a step back on net-zero?

🔻 Policy Regression: A Global Snapshot

India: Coal's Return to the Strategy Table

Despite its renewable energy leadership, India is witnessing a visible pivot back to thermal power:

• Tata Power, once committed to exiting coal by 2045, is reconsidering its position. Poor returns from wind projects and power demand surges are prompting fresh investments in thermal capacity.
• JSW Energy made headlines in April 2025 by bidding ₹15,985 crore to acquire KSK Mahanadi’s 1,800 MW coal plant — a move in sharp contrast to net-zero targets.
• Adani Power continues to expand its coal-based portfolio even as Adani Green invests in clean energy — a dual-track strategy becoming common in India’s energy sector.

📊 Snapshot:

• Coal accounts for 55% of India’s electricity mix.
• 180 GW of renewable capacity achieved (solar: ~75 GW, wind: ~45 GW)
• Target: 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030

While India remains officially committed to its 2070 net-zero target, these corporate moves highlight deep misalignments between ambition and execution.

United States: Federal Clampdown on State Action

President Donald Trump, during his second term, signed an executive order in April 2025 prohibiting states from enacting stricter climate laws than federal standards. This has:

• Undermined progressive state efforts (e.g., California, New York)
• Threatened the U.S.’s net-zero by 2050 trajectory
• Created policy uncertainty, stalling climate tech investments.

United Kingdom: EV Transition Delayed

• Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) ban pushed from 2030 to 2035
• EV adoption targets softened, slowing momentum in transport decarbonization

Australia (Queensland): Renewable Target Cut

• Queensland scrapped its 70% renewable target by 2032
• Coal plants expected to remain operational beyond planned phase-out

New Zealand: Backtracking on Climate Pledges

• Offshore oil/gas ban reversed
• Agricultural emissions pricing delayed. This undercuts its image as a green policy pioneer.

🔍 Emerging Trends and Insights

• Energy security trumps emissions goals in short-term decision-making
• Policy fragmentation (national vs. subnational) is widening
• Investor uncertainty rising due to policy reversals and unclear timelines
• Technological gaps (grid storage, AI for load balancing) remain under-addressed
• Public sentiment is shifting, driven by energy cost concerns and inflation

India: A Fork in the Road

✅ Progress So Far:

• Among the top 5 globally in solar capacity
• National Green Hydrogen Mission launched
• Solar-wind hybrid parks and grid modernization underway

🚫 But More Is Needed:

• Financially viable models for wind and storage
• Stronger carbon pricing framework
• Predictable, stable policy to encourage private capital
• Guardrails to prevent over-dependence on coal

🔚 Conclusion: Retreat, Not Recalibration

The promise of net-zero is fading into a future of mixed signals. From regulatory rollbacks to corporate shifts toward fossil stability, 2025 is becoming a year of climate contradiction. The climate crisis doesn’t wait for political cycles — and backtracking now could cost us irreversibly later.

Net-zero cannot be a slogan — it must be an enforceable, accountable strategy.

Now is the moment for bold alignment between policy and practice. Anything less will be a retreat disguised as realism.

🔎 Disclaimer:

This article reflects the interpretation of publicly available news reports and corporate disclosures as of April 2025. The analysis is intended for informational and thought leadership purposes only and does not represent investment, legal, or policy advice. Developments post-publication may affect the accuracy of some references. Readers are encouraged to consult official government or company sources for the most up-to-date information.