The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs has projected that by 2028 India will be the world's most populous country, with 1.45 billion people. According to the International Monetary Fund, India is the world's faster growing economy with GDP growth of 7.5 percent, ahead of China. As of today, nearly half a billion Indians do not have full access to electricity supply and running water.

If anyone were to listen to the aspirations and promises of Indian politicians during election rallies, it would appear very clear that this great democracy is still struggling with poverty and providing its people with their basic needs. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was not surprisingly handed a clear mandate for economic development. As India rapidly progresses toward a bright future, its people will experience dramatic improvements in their standards of living, with millions of Indian leaping out of poverty every year. India will have a growing middle class with high aspirations, and by extension rising consumption and production.

There can be little doubt that as Indians get richer, owning more cars and electrical appliances, India's carbon emissions rate will rise. Currently, the World Bank has it at 1.67 metric tons of carbon dioxide per capita, compared with China's 6.19 metric tons per capita and America's colossal 17.56 metric tons per capita. This suggests the potential rise in India's CO2 emissions.