India, known as the world’s largest democracy, is no stranger to the grandeur and scale of its elections. With thousands of candidates vying for various positions, the election season in India is a spectacle to behold. However, amidst all the excitement and fervor, there is an often overlooked aspect – the carbon footprint of these elections.
Thousands of Candidates, Countless Roadshows
General election in 2024 for 543 seats of Indian Parliament is being held in seven phases. As per data released by election commission of India, 1717 candidates contested in phase 4 only. Cumulatively, more than 5000 candidates are contesting up to phase 5. Adding the numbers to be officially released for remaining two phases, this is quite a big number of candidates. A few of them may not be very seriously pursuing the voters, but most of them are trying as best as they can. They travel far and wide in their constituency and almost non-stop. Not just them, but their near and dears -wife, husband, father, mother, son, daughter, even son-in-law and daughter-in-law and the whole extended family travel like a military on the march to conquer the enemy. And there are party workers – the little armies – who do their own bit. Plus, there are party leaders, the star campaigners – who crisscross the country – in many constituencies. Their roadshows with a large convoy of vehicles is norm of the day.
All this travel, unfortunately, leads to a significant carbon emission from multiple vehicles – almost continuously moving.
Recently, in an article by Mr Tikender Singh Panwar, former mayor of Shimla, in Deccan Herald, postulated around 1000 vehicles in a Lok Sabha constituency for election-related work for 30 days, with each consuming about 15 litres of fossil fuel per day, the total election campaign would burn a total of about 244 million litres of fuel. Assuming it to be diesel, (a litre of diesel releases roughly 2.7 kg of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere), this would mean a total of about 660 million kilograms of CO2 will be emitted during this general elections. This is still a pessimistic estimate. The total duration is more than 30 days for these seven phases. And the movement of near and dears for this purpose of often not accounted. And then, there are travel by election machinery and the voters also, which is not even in the maths.
While it is understandable that candidates need to reach out to as many people as possible, it is crucial to consider the environmental impact of such campaigns. With the increasing concern over climate change and global warming, it is high time that sustainability becomes a part of the political agenda.
Though the election commission has tried to put the guidelines towards the green campaign, no body bothers to even glance. With the urgency and stakes, the sustainability is sure to take the back seat. Counting the number of vehicles in a roadshow from green perspective means limiting that number, while this number needs to be high to show the strength in the political perspective. Similarly, the vehicles running for the daily campaign is guided by the resources at the disposal of the candidate – rather than the issue of them emitting the harmful carbon in the environment. Who counts the carbon!
The Use of Flex Banners and Plastic in Election Campaigns
Another concerning aspect of Indian elections is the excessive use of flex banners and plastic in election campaigns. These banners, often displaying larger-than-life images of candidates, are seen adorning every street and corner. Not only do these banners contribute to visual pollution, but they also have a significant environmental impact.
The production and disposal of flex banners and plastic materials used in election campaigns contribute to the growing problem of plastic waste. These materials take years to decompose, clogging landfills and posing a threat to the environment and wildlife. It is disheartening to see that the very people who are vying to represent the public are contributing to such environmental degradation.
Single use plastic in election campaign is banned. Use of Flex is also banned at many places. But again, who can check the every nook and corners of the streets -to look at the type of material of the election banners!
The Use of Paper and Costly Green Alternatives
While some candidates have recognized the need for more sustainable practices, the alternatives come at a high cost. For instance, using paper instead of flex banners may seem like a greener option, but it still involves cutting down trees and contributes to deforestation. Moreover, the cost of printing on paper can be prohibitively expensive for many candidates, especially those from marginalized backgrounds.
Additionally, exploring truly sustainable alternatives, such as digital campaigns or eco-friendly materials, requires a shift in mindset and a willingness to invest in the future. Unfortunately, sustainability is often not a priority in Indian politics, where immediate gains and popularity take precedence over long-term environmental concerns.
There are appreciable efforts in a few corners also. For example, Puducherry has started a ‘Count The Carbon’ campaign in this election. The campaign is trying to measure the emissions by election machinery, political parties, and voters – before, during and after the polls. Local election commission has advised the political parties to use electric vehicles and bicycles for campaigns. In its official election work, the plastic water bottles have been replaced by steel tumblers and so on. But how far this effort will be successful and how it will impact the larger picture in the country- is still to be seen.
Green Elections – any country?
Estonia has gone for digital election to reduce the carbon footprint. A political party (SLPP) in Sri Lanka launched world’s first carbon emission measuring environmentally sensitive election campaign in 2019. But these two are the exceptions – rather than norm. In the 2016 US presidential elections, the emissions by campaign flights by just one of the candidates alone were equivalent to the carbon footprint of 500 Americans for a year.
So, it is not just about an Indian mentality. The world – as a whole – and the political class specifically – has to learn and code ‘sustainability’ in its DNA. And there is a strong need of an independent body to measure the carbon footprint of major elections around the world. Isolated efforts can grab the headlines for a week. But those can not make a dent on the overall grim situation.
Sustainability – Not on the Agenda in Politics
It is disheartening to see that sustainability is not given the attention it deserves in Indian politics. While there may be occasional lip service paid to environmental issues, the actions on the ground often fall short. The focus remains on winning elections rather than adopting environmentally friendly practices.
However, there is hope. As awareness about climate change and sustainability grows, citizens are demanding more from their elected representatives. It is time for politicians to recognize the importance of addressing the carbon footprint of elections and take concrete steps towards a greener future.
In conclusion, the carbon footprint of Indian elections is a pressing issue that needs immediate attention. The extensive campaigning, the use of flex banners and plastic, and the lack of sustainable alternatives all contribute to the environmental impact of these elections. It is high time that sustainability becomes a part of the political agenda in India, and politicians prioritize the well-being of the planet alongside their electoral goals.
And this ‘need of Green election vs the lack of action or interest by political class’ is largely true for the politics of every nation. Here and there, the voices have started to tell about it – but when it will become the mainstream – is still vey far.
