In a recent climate change study conducted by the Mahindra Group, it was found that a growing number of Indians are becoming more environmentally conscious, and are willing to make lifestyle choices to combat climate change.

The findings of the climate study, also helped in coining the term ‘Alternativism’. This can be termed as the steps taken by businesses to let go of archaic practices and the readiness to experiment and provide alternative business solutions to its customers.

At a panel discussion on ‘Alternativism: Give Paris a Chance’, by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) of India, the findings from this study on climate change were presented. A mix of corporate sustainability heads, NGO’s, policy makers and citizens engaged with one another on the need to find urgent climate solutions and remove roadblocks to translate thought into action.

Anirban Ghosh, Chief Sustainability Officer, Mahindra Group said “The Paris Agreement aims to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change and limit global temperature rise by the end of this century to 1.5 degrees celsius above pre-industrial levels.

To reach this ambitious goal, there needs to be mass adoption of alternative ways of life in addition to greener ways of production and consumption. Both corporations and individuals must work together to make this happen.”

Some of the key findings of the study were:

• 80% of Indians are aware of climate change, while 83% are interested in making lifestyle choices to address it
• The absence of affordable, eco-friendly alternatives prevents 88% of them from being more environmentally considerate in their daily lives
• 72% of men, and 67% of women are aware about the need for water conservation

Over the past decade, the Mahindra Group has worked towards offering eco-friendly products, across businesses, to combat climate change.