Coal Has Lost Its Grip on India – Public Opinion Shows Why

Wind Turbines, Rajpur, India. Credit: Samar Mourya, Pexel. 

82% of Indians want new coal power plants banned and existing coal replaced with solar and wind, according to a new national survey. Even more, 86%, back India’s commitment to net zero emissions by 2070. 

The survey, Yale’s Climate Change in the Indian Mind report, was conducted between December 2025 and February 2026 with 5,427 respondents. It points to growing concern about climate change and strong support for renewables in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and largest energy consumers. 

India is already living with hotter temperatures, floods, droughts, cyclones and water shortages. That everyday experience is showing up in the numbers: people increasingly see climate action as essential to the country’s future. 

Key Findings 

• 82% support banning new coal power plants and replacing existing coal generation with solar and wind energy.  

• 86% support India’s Net Zero emissions target by 2070.  

• 78% believe the Indian government should do more to address climate change. 

• 65% support increasing renewable energy use, while only 14% support expanding fossil fuels.  

• 84% say global warming is happening when provided with a brief explanation of the concept.  

• 88% are worried about global warming, including 56% who are very worried.  

• 84% report personally experiencing the effects of climate change.  

• 95% support programmes that train youth and women for jobs in the renewable energy sector.  

• 77% identify solar energy as a clean source of electricity. 

Why This Matters for Climate Action 

India still relies on coal for around 70% of its electricity, but 82% of people now back a coal phase-out in favour of solar and wind – giving policymakers a clear public mandate to accelerate the transition.  

Widespread experience of heatwaves, flooding, water shortages and cyclones is making climate risk part of daily life, and that’s driving demand for stronger adaptation and mitigation policy. 

Many people also link the shift to renewables with job creation, better health outcomes, lower energy costs and greater energy security – strong support for renewable energy training suggests climate action is increasingly seen as an economic opportunity. 

Successful Renewable Energy Projects 

Bhadla Solar Park (Rajasthan) – One of the world’s largest solar parks with a capacity of around 2.25 GW, generating enough electricity to power millions of households and helping avoid millions of tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. 

Pavagada Solar Park (Karnataka) – Capacity of about 2.05 GW, supplying clean electricity to Karnataka while supporting local farmers through land-lease income. 

Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Park (Andhra Pradesh) – Around 1 GW capacity, once India’s largest solar project, generating large-scale grid power for southern India.  

Jaisalmer Wind Energy Cluster (Rajasthan) – Over 1.06 GW installed wind capacity, making it one of India’s largest wind power hubs and contributing significantly to Rajasthan’s renewable mix. 

Potential Benefits 

• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector through a shift away from coal toward renewable energy.  

• Improved air quality as coal use declines, leading to lower levels of harmful pollutants.  

• Faster progress toward India’s national climate commitments and long-term net zero target.  

• Lower exposure to air pollution, with associated public health benefits.  

• New employment opportunities in the renewable energy sector, particularly in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance.  

• Increased energy security and greater long-term economic resilience through a more diversified and sustainable energy system. 

What You Can Do  

• Reduce everyday energy use by switching to efficient appliances, saving electricity, and choosing low-carbon travel options like public transport or cycling.   

• Support cleaner energy choices when possible, such as green electricity plans, rooftop solar, or sustainable products and services.   

• Stay informed and talk about climate issues in your community to help build awareness and support for clean energy solutions.  

What Needs to Change Systemically  

• Accelerate investments in renewable energy and grid infrastructure.   

• Support a just transition away from coal by making sure affected workers and regions are not left behind, through job retraining, new jobs in clean energy, and support for coal-dependent communities.  

• Expand climate education and public awareness initiatives.   

• Increase investment in climate adaptation and disaster preparedness. 

Read more: Extreme weather events | Health risks | Climate Risks Daily 

Original source: https://climatecommunication.yale.edu/publications/climate-change-in-the-indian-mind-winter-2026/toc/2/  

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