Raghav Choure

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in India has gained significant traction over the past decade, especially after the introduction of the mandatory CSR spending law in 2014. While CSR traditionally focused on areas such as education, healthcare, and community development, the growing emphasis on sustainability has encouraged companies to increasingly engage in climate-related activities.

While CSR practices in India traditionally centered on community development, the growing awareness around climate change is pushing companies to align their CSR strategies with environmental sustainability. In this context, climate financing—whether through direct investments in renewable energy, indirect support for innovation, or strategic partnerships with NGOs and government bodies—is becoming a key area of focus for many corporations. The shift is still evolving, and as the regulatory and financial landscapes evolve, there will likely be greater integration of climate finance into corporate responsibility strategies in India.

In summary:

• Direct climate financing: Investments in renewable energy, carbon offset projects, and waste management.
• Indirect climate financing: Education, partnerships, and supporting green innovation.
• Alignment with global standards: Companies are increasingly aligning CSR activities with international climate finance and sustainability reporting standards.