Leveraging Environmental Communication and ICT for Climate Change Mitigation: Human Capital Development in India

This study examines the role of environmental communication in fostering climate-conscious behaviours in India, specifically through the intersection of human capital and information and communication technologies (ICT). It focuses on the effectiveness of large-scale digital campaigns such as ‘Clean India’ and ‘Save the Ganga’ in promoting environmental sustainability.

A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining qualitative and quantitative data to assess the impact of these campaigns. Data were collected from social media platforms, campaign reports and surveys to evaluate public engagement, community participation and the adoption of sustainable practices.

The study reveals significant increases in social media engagement and participation in environmental activities, like cleanliness drives and river rejuvenation. There was also a notable rise in sustainable practices, such as reduced plastic use and proper waste disposal. However, challenges such as self-reported data biases, difficulties in measuring long-term outcomes and varying levels of digital literacy were identified.

This research study contributes to understanding how digital tools can transform environmental advocacy. It underscores the importance of integrating human capital development with ICT to promote sustainable behaviours. The findings offer insights for policymakers and environmental organisations in designing more effective communication strategies. Future research should address technological barriers, enhance digital literacy and explore emerging technologies, like artificial intelligence and virtual reality, in environmental communication.