World Earth Day Reflections: Indian industry voices on building a sustainable tomorrow

The World Earth Day – with this year’s theme on ‘Our Power, Our Planet’ – serves as a global reminder of our shared responsibility towards the protection of the Mother Earth. The human focus is now increasing on embracing sustainable solutions like bioenergy, renewable energy, and recycling—key pillars in the fight against climate change.

Bioenergy, derived from organic materials such as crop residues and animal waste, offers a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels. When responsibly managed, it not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also supports rural economies. Similarly, renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower are reshaping the energy landscape. The increasing demand for energy, food, and infrastructure is coming up against the limits of our planet’s resources, and the impacts of climate change are becoming ever more apparent. It’s soothing to see that almost half of India’s power is generated from renewables.

Praveen Kakulte, CEO, Powercon Group, “As we mark World Earth Day, we are reminded that the challenges we face are not just environmental, but deeply interconnected with the way we live and grow. Renewable energy is central to this transition, but adopting it at scale is only part of the solution. We must also focus on improving efficiency, storage, and accessibility. Governments must take decisive action through forward-thinking policies, targeted incentives, and robust infrastructure investments to create an enabling environment for sustainable growth. Their leadership is critical in setting the pace of change and driving large-scale transformation. Currently, nearly 80% of the world’s energy still comes from fossil fuels; this underscores both the scale of change needed and the immense opportunity we have to accelerate the energy transition.”

Minal Srinivasan, Managing Director of Kesari Infrabuild Pvt. Ltd, mentions, “As we mark World Earth Day, we are reminded that Earth is not a resource we inherit, but one we borrow from future generations. It is the most valuable natural capital we have, and its systematic depletion has disrupted the balance of our ecosystems, leading to the environmental challenges we are witnessing today. For instance, the construction and operation of buildings account for nearly 40% of global energy-related carbon emissions. This is why, in our sector, sustainability is not just a trend—it is a responsibility. As we continue to develop and manage spaces, the decisions we make today will determine the legacy we leave for future generations.”

Recycling, too, plays a vital role. By reusing materials and reducing waste, we can conserve natural resources and minimize the burden on landfills. Simple acts like segregating household waste, avoiding single-use plastics, and choosing recycled products can collectively create a significant impact

Rajesh Gupta, Founder & Director- Recyclekaro, shares his thoughts, “As we observe World Earth Day 2025, it’s time to reflect on our responsibility to the planet. The future of sustainability is not built on grand gestures, but on everyday decisions to recycle, to reuse, and to rethink how we consume. Whether it’s reducing e-waste or conserving energy, each action matters. A cleaner, greener world isn’t a distant vision it begins with the choices we make today.”

Dr. Miniya Chatterji, CEO – Sustain Labs Paris, apprises, “Everyday is earth day. Sustain Labs Paris has been building companies that put people & planet at the forefront since 2017, and we continue to do so at scale. If an organization is improving the state of the earth and its people, then we partner to build the organization together. On that note, I am delighted to announce the launch of our latest program SLP Innovation Expand, which in collaboration with the Dubai government provides support, market entry, and co-funding to a select set of highly innovative companies in climate-tech and beyond.”

Earth Day is more than a celebration—it’s a call to action. As individuals, communities, and nations, adopting eco-friendly habits and supporting clean energy transitions are steps toward a healthier planet. Let this Earth Day inspire lasting change and reaffirm our commitment to sustainability.