The world’s climate challenges are existential, but significant positive changes in 2024 are making a big impact for a greener tomorrow
Many climate headlines scream catastrophe — melting glaciers, soaring temperatures, and vanishing species. But among the bad news and scary pictures, there was some hope left in 2024. Across continents and cultures, people and even animals stepped up the climate fight. From Indian forest warriors to British smokestack send-offs, here is a round-up of victories that didn’t make you want to bury your head in the sand. India’s ranking in the Climate Performance Index has improved from 31st in 2014 to 7th in 2024.
Tribes, Trees, Triumph
Indigenous communities in India were boots-on-the-ground, protecting forests the old-fashioned way—with sacred chants, seed bombs, and sheer grit. Adivasi groups in Jharkhand and Odisha, like the Ho and Munda tribes, resisted illegal logging and mining, replanting lost groves with native sal and mahua saplings. These were tribal-led initiatives, with zero carbon conferences or bullet-pointed action plans. Climatologist Dr. Ishan Patel says, “These communities are carbon sinks in human form. Their way of life is the sustainability the world is trying to engineer.”
Citable Coal Goals
India achieved a big milestone for its energy production efforts. For the first time, the consumption of coal in the country’s total installed power capacity dropped below 50% during the first quarter of 2024. Interestingly, the UK powered down its last coal-fired power station in 2024, marking the end of an era that began with the Industrial Revolution. For a country that once depended on coal for over 40% of its electricity, this was like England giving up tea. Unthinkable… until it happened. “Coal has been choking our future for decades — shutting it down isn’t just an energy decision, it’s a moral one,” says Hanna Steele, a doctor and climate activist, in London. The Drax Power Station in North Yorkshire was closed down in April 2024.
Watt’s Up Sun Savers
India has become the world’s third largest solar power generator, overtaking Japan. Until six months ago (August 2024), India’s solar power capacity had reached 89.4 GW. A remarkable feat.
Rooftop solar panels have become the hottest home accessory, with everyone trying to stick one on top. According to the International Energy Agency, 2024 saw a record-breaking 500+ gigawatts of renewable energy added globally, and for the first time, Texas generated more wind energy than natural gas. “Sustainability isn’t just theory anymore — it’s dictating investment,” says Saswat Das, Director of Sunmeister Energy Pvt. Ltd. Das adds, “Gover-nments are finally prioritizing clean energy integration. This year we saw more demand for decentralized, modular systems like rooftop solar than ever before. It’s driven not just by policy but by sheer necessity.”
Air Quality Check
Although, the poor air quality in many Indian cities is a matter of grave concern, India’s has managed 20% reduction of particulate matter in 55 cities and 40% reduction in 23 cities till 2023- 2024. “Respiratory diseases like asthma, allergies, and COPD have become more common due to a significant rise in pollution and environmental changes. Urban areas tend to have poor air quality, which can harm people’s lung health. Those with sensitive lungs are at higher risk today than before.’’ says Dr Samir Garde Director of Dept of Pulmonology and Lung Transplant, Gle-neagles Hospital, Parel.
Whales, Waves & Legal Briefs
Ecuador, a landmark move known for granting legal rights to nature in its Constitution, upped the ante in 2024 by bestowing legal personhood on rivers, whales, and even coastal waves. The Esmeraldas River was previously a dumping ground, but now it has lawyers fighting to protect it from pollution. And earlier this year, a case was won on behalf of humpback whales threatened by offshore drilling. This shift isn’t just a big win for nature but a declaration that illegal dredging has declined among protected zones by 37%, and public clean-up projects have seen a rise by 400% in funding.
Sustainability & Stability
The biggest challenge in renewable energy? Stability. Fossil-fuel-powered grids offered predictable electricity — until they didn’t. The shift to what Das calls ‘smart solar’ is what’s changing that story. “Hybrid systems that combine solar power, storage, and AI-managed microgrids are turning renewable energy into a backbone for reliability,” said Das.
Breathe Easy
While the energy grid turned green, air quality? Still pretty foggy. Climate change’s biggest footprint continues to be on human lungs and it’s not getting better anytime soon. “Pollution-related respiratory illnesses are skyrocketing,” warns Dr. S. Jayaraman, a Chennai pulmonologist. “Urban India is seeing more asthma, allergies, COPD, and even lung cancer, thanks to vehicular emissions and dust overload.” He suggests simple steps —mask up in polluted zones, use air purifiers, and prioritize clean waste disposal. “It’s not just about medication, it’s behavioural change.”
Dr. Samir Garde states, “Weather extremes brought on by climate change are triggering seasonal asthma and worsening recovery rates.” It is noteworthy that India planted 102 crore trees under ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Campaign in 2024 and aimed for over 140 crore by March 2025.
A Low-Carbon Plot Twist
The world’s climate challenges are existential. But 2024 proved that positive change is blooming. Sure, the planet’s got problems. But it’s also got problem-solvers: doctors diagnosing the fallout of dirty air, innovators turning sunbeams into survival kits, and policymakers ealise that incentives can spark revolutions.
