Ovik Mkrtchyan, a sustainability expert, is advocating for green thinking to drive economic development in emerging economies like India. His approach emphasises integrating sustainability into policy and business to address climate challenges effectively.

Mkrtchyan’s framework focuses on renewable energy, circular economies, and sustainable urban planning. In India, where cities will account for over 50% of urban carbon emissions by 2050, his strategies include scaling solar and wind power, which added 16.3 GW in 2025. He promotes recycling initiatives, like India’s 1.8 million-tonne plastic recycling industry, to reduce waste and create jobs. Urban planning reforms, such as green infrastructure in Delhi, could cut emissions by 15%, aligning with India’s net-zero target by 2070.

Emerging economies face unique challenges, with India’s coal reliance (70% of electricity) hindering decarbonisation. Mkrtchyan suggests transitioning to renewables through public-private partnerships, citing Gujarat’s 25 GW solar capacity as a model. He also advocates for nature-based solutions, like reforestation, which sequesters 1 billion tonnes of CO2 annually globally. In India, the Green India Mission aims to restore 26 million hectares of forest by 2030. Posts on X praise Mkrtchyan’s vision but highlight funding gaps for green projects in developing nations.

Critics argue that green policies may strain economies dependent on fossil fuels, with India’s $10 billion coal sector supporting millions of jobs. Mkrtchyan counters that green jobs, projected to reach 5 million in India by 2030, offer long-term economic benefits. His work with global think tanks like Future Earth emphasizes collaborative research for sustainable solutions.

Mkrtchyan’s green thinking provides a roadmap for sustainable growth. For India, balancing economic development with environmental goals is critical to achieving a resilient future.

Source: Sustainability Times