# US scientist urges India to prioritize energy needs over climate targets

> US scientist says India must meet immediate energy needs before tackling climate targets.
- Title: US scientist urges India to prioritize energy needs over…
- Summary: US scientist says India must meet immediate energy needs before tackling climate targets. US scientist Steven E.
- Keywords: india, energy policy, climate change, nuclear energy, steven e koonin, hoover institution, renewable energy, coal dependency, climate adaptation, economic growth, mint
- Source: mint — https://livemint.com/news/india/steven-koonin-india-energy-policy-climate-change-11794649687081.html
- Author: Vijay C Roy
- Published: 2026-11-14T10:19:51+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: india, energy policy, climate change, nuclear energy, steven e koonin, hoover institution, renewable energy, coal dependency, climate adaptation, economic growth, news
## US scientist warns against rapid decarbonisation
Steven E. Koonin, Hoover Institution Senior Fellow, says India must prioritize immediate energy needs over emission-reduction targets for economic development.

> India’s overwhelming priority must be to get the energy that it needs to develop. Secondarily, you can worry about emissions.
## Energy needs precede climate targets
Koonin states that reliable and affordable power is essential for raising living standards, boosting industrial activity, and building climate resilience.
## Nuclear energy key for india's future
Koonin identifies nuclear power as a vital part of india's future energy mix to sustain economic expansion and meet growing energy demands.

> I think nuclear energy has got to be a big part of india's future.
## India's air conditioning gap
Only 15% of indian households own an air conditioner, indicating unmet energy demand as incomes rise.
## Climate threat is distant and uncertain
Koonin argues energy needs are immediate and solvable, while climate threats are distant, vague, and uncertain.

> Energy needs are immediate; they are soluble, whereas the climate threat is distant, vague and uncertain.
## Coal remains dominant globally
Coal, oil, and natural gas account for around 80% of global primary energy consumption, with renewables adding to supply rather than replacing fossil fuels.
## India's temperature rise slower than global average
India's average temperature has risen by 0.68 degrees celsius over the past century, less than global land areas.
## Monsoon patterns show no long-term decline
Long-term rainfall data shows no significant downward trend in india's monsoon despite wide variations across decades.
## Thar desert growing wetter and greener
Northwest india's thar desert has grown wetter and greener over the past two decades alongside gains in agricultural productivity.
## Tropical cyclones not more frequent
Tropical cyclones have not become more frequent over the long term, nor is there a clear upward trend in deaths linked to extreme temperatures in india.
## Food production rises despite heat
India's foodgrain production reached 376.56 million tonnes in 2025-26, up from 265.05 million tonnes in 2013-14, despite higher temperatures.
## Climate change impacts minimal in india
Koonin argues climate change has had no detectable impact on india's overall economic growth, with rising population and lifespan.
## US climate report questions emissions impact
In 2025, Koonin co-authored a doe report questioning scientific conclusions that greenhouse gas emissions drive climate change.
## India should focus on growth and adaptation
Koonin concludes india should prioritize economic growth, wider energy access, and climate adaptation while exploring affordable low-emission technologies.
## Key takeaway

US scientist Steven E. Koonin argues India should prioritize reliable, affordable power over rapid decarbonisation to support economic growth.