Amid global ecological crisis, these five Indian women ecopreneurs are building innovative green businesses for a greener future

• Humans have altered 75% of land and 66% of marine environments, says the data from the United Nations Environment Programme.
• A recent World Economic Forum estimate suggests that India’s decarbonisation journey represents a $15 trillion economic opportunity by 2070.
• Therefore, there is clearly an urgent need for green businesses in India that can contribute towards the long-term sustainability of our country.

The Earth is descending rapidly into a deep ecological crisis as we continue to lose nearly 50 lakh hectares of forests every single year – an area much larger than the entire state of Kerala – mainly due to agriculture, livestock and infrastructure expansion. Humans have altered 75% of land and 66% of marine environments, says the data from the United Nations Environment Programme.

As per the data from the World Bank, environmental degradation costs billions of dollars for India every year – equivalent to roughly 6% of GDP. Research estimates that land degradation alone leads to a loss of 2.5% of India’s economic output annually. To make matters worse, air pollution also costs 3% of India's gross domestic product, according to a Forbes report. Climate change and extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods and fires, for example, directly impact 70% of all economic sectors worldwide, particularly in the global south.

Amid numerous socio-economic challenges, India has also taken substantial steps to minimise the burden on the environment by taking eco-friendly measures. Despite its efforts, India is predicted to be among the top three emitters by 2030.

International Energy Agency study shows that a transition to net-zero carbon can catalyse new industries, create millions of green jobs, and drive trillions of dollars of economic value. A recent World Economic Forum estimate suggests that India’s decarbonisation journey represents a $15 trillion economic opportunity by 2070. This journey could create at least 50 million net new jobs.

Therefore, there is clearly an urgent need for green businesses in India that can contribute towards the long-term sustainability of our country. And numerous women are now taking the lead in generating such opportunities. Let’s have a look at a few such women ecopreneurs of India who are making a significant contribution towards a greener tomorrow.