Chapter 3: Sustainable Consumption and Production: Perspectives from India

The concept of environmentalism has only existed within the policies of India since the 1990s. An economic growth agenda, growing urbanisation and industrialisation, and being one of the most populous countries in the world have led to significant increases in consumption in the country. These increases have caused significant environmental and socio-demographic impacts. If the current rate of consumption continues, by 2030, India will require 2.5 times more resources each year to meet its needs. The government has sought to address these challenges through various measures, including legislative actions and resource conservation initiatives. However, the complexity of the challenges, coupled with socio-demographic and socio-psychological factors, has resulted in rising consumption and production levels, which threaten the long-term sustainability of the consumption of natural resources in the country.