In the next three months, India’s 16th Prime Minister will take oath. India, the world’s largest democracy, is heading to a general election and is also setting a tone change—this time regarding carbon emissions.

Amid the hustle and bustle surrounding the election campaign and related propaganda that will now amuse us every day, I will keenly follow the speeches of the key contestants.

I do not doubt that the economy, people, employment, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and better livelihoods will be the main topics of conversation. I’ve noticed that very few candidates discuss the green initiatives, even as each one provides a report card.

While all these segments are important for the development of a country and its citizens, climate change and climate action, sustainability and green initiatives are equally significant if we want to actively engage the next generation in politics. Sadly, GREEN hasn’t appeared on any agendas so far!

I’m concentrating especially on millennials because they have the freedom to choose to participate in politics or not at all. In addition to roti, kapda, makaan, and padhaii, insaan is becoming more and more popular.

This generation refuses to work for companies that do not have an appropriate ESG policy in place. They are not willing to compromise on sustainability or sustainable workforces! Approximately 2 percent of the voter base, or 1.82 crore people, will be first-time voters from this generation.

It looks like the LS 2024 Election may just be carbon-positive. Rajiv Kumar, Chief Election Commissioner, has set the green ball rolling.

Even as everyone in the nation gets ready to press the EVS, the CEC’s recognition of the significance of carbon footprint may perhaps be a first in the LS polls’ history.

The CEC urged all political parties to go paperless, saying, “It is important to check the carbon footprint and to use as little paper as possible.”

He stressed the importance of holding ecologically friendly elections. He instructed the political parties and the polling apparatus to work with waste management facilities, utilize double-sided printing, carpool and take public transportation, and refrain from using single-use plastic.

Sadly, the political commentary of the CEC’s decision to hold the LS elections in seven phases and, in some states, the Assembly elections concurrently, has already started. I am yet to hear from any political party welcoming the EC’s move and making a commitment toward reducing carbon footprint during their campaigns.

How many SDGs are the elections violating?

Trivia:

• The use of microplastics in campaign literature and fossil fuels during traditional election campaigns has a significant carbon footprint.
• Electronic voting machines significantly reduce paper usage in elections, saving 10,000 tons of ballots and over 20 lac trees in an Indian national election, thereby promoting environmental sustainability.
• EVM offers superior benefits in ballot paper printing, storage, transportation, and labor costs, as it reduces the cost of hand-carrying ballot papers.
• India’s greenhouse gas emissions have nearly tripled since 2000, reaching a record high of 2.7 GtCO2 in 2022, indicating a significant environmental crisis.