India well placed to shift from coal to clean energy, says Lancet Countdown chief

India’s rapid economic growth and technological advancement present a major opportunity to transition from coal to cleaner and cheaper renewable energy sources, according to Marina Belen Romanello, Executive Director of the Lancet Countdown.

In an exclusive interview with PTI Videos, Romanello said that a decisive move towards renewable energy could not only cut pollution-related deaths but also boost India’s global leadership in sustainable development.

“India is particularly well positioned to lead this transition, given its emergence as a technology hub and its strong local engineering capabilities,” she said. “Shifting from coal, which is both expensive and highly polluting, to clean energy will need substantial investment and strong government support.”

She added that the benefits of such a transition extend beyond climate gains — including improved air quality, better public health, and enhanced energy security — making it an urgent and strategic priority for the country.