From Opinions Desk

The theme for the World Environment Day for 2026 is “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.” This is no more just a slogan, but an emergency call as the time is running out for this plant, for our present and for our next generations. The corporate sector has a large responsibility to meet this challenge, by showing that economic growth can be in consonance with the environment and need not be founded on the exploitation of the resources to the extreme.

On this occasion, several industry leaders have expressed their solidarity with the environment. Following are their comments –

“India’s sustainability journey is entering a defining phase where economic growth, digital expansion and climate responsibility can no longer move on separate tracks. As the country accelerates its renewable energy ambitions and builds the infrastructure required for an increasingly digital economy, there is a growing opportunity to ensure that progress is both resilient and resource-conscious, and that the choices made today do not come at the expense of tomorrow. Over the past year, India has continued to make strong strides in clean energy adoption while also facing rising pressure from heat stress and water scarcity across several regions, a combination of realities that highlights just how urgent and interconnected these challenges have become. Building infrastructure that is efficient by design and genuinely mindful of long-term community impact is a central obligation for anyone operating in this space.

At Equinix, we believe the future of digital infrastructure in India must be anchored in sustainability, whether through greater use of renewable energy, improved energy efficiency or more responsible management of critical resources such as water. Our focus remains on supporting India’s digital growth with infrastructure that is reliable, future ready and aligned with the country’s broader sustainability ambitions, and we recognize that living up to that commitment requires constant reflection and continuous improvement. Continued collaboration between industry, policymakers and communities is imperative to create and maintain a healthy ecosystem where innovative solutions can be developed in a practical, scalable way rooted in local realities. As India moves toward becoming a global digital and economic powerhouse, climate resilience must remain central to the way we build, operate and grow.”

Manoj Paul, Managing Director, India, Equinix

“World Environment Day reminds us that sustainability is no longer a choice – it is a business imperative and a shared responsibility. At Anaptyss, we believe that technology must serve a larger purpose- creating value not only for organizations, but also for society and the planet.

As AI continues to transform industries, its true potential lies in enabling smarter, more sustainable decisions. From optimising resource utilisation and reducing operational waste to enhancing transparency and accountability, AI can be a powerful catalyst for achieving Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals. However, innovation must be guided by responsibility. The future belongs to organisations that leverage AI ethically, transparently and with a long-term commitment to sustainable growth.

At Anaptyss, our philosophy is rooted in the belief that digital transformation and sustainability go hand in hand. We strive to build intelligent solutions that help businesses improve efficiency, strengthen resilience; and create measurable positive impact. By integrating innovation with purpose, we empower our clients to navigate complex challenges while advancing their sustainability agendas.

This World Environment Day, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering a future where technology, business, and environmental stewardship work together in harmony. The decisions we make today- whether in boardrooms, data centers, or communities- will shape the world we leave for future generations. Through responsible AI, strong ESG practices, and a culture of continuous innovation, we can collectively build a greener, more inclusive, and more sustainable future.”

Anuj Khurana, Co-founder and CEO, Anaptyss

“Climate action is no longer a distant priority but an urgent, collective responsibility that demands immediate and sustained effort. At Mphasis, we are committed to driving meaningful action to do our part in mitigating climate risks and environmental degradation through targeted, nature-based solutions that restore ecosystems, strengthen communities, and build long-term resilience.

Our long-standing initiatives, ranging from reviving urban water bodies, to restoring coastal ecosystems have been delivering measurable real-world impact. Through our ‘Wake the Lake’ program in partnership with United Way Bengaluru, we have rejuvenated Dommasandra and Mahadevapura Lakes, significantly improving water quality, enhancing biodiversity, and positively impacting over 12,000 residents. At the Doddasagare Botanical Garden, our afforestation efforts are contributing to Karnataka’s green cover with the planting of 100,000 native saplings. Meanwhile, our Pulicat Restoration Project near Chennai is reviving 70 acres of degraded mangroves, restoring aquatic biodiversity while creating sustainable livelihoods for the Irular tribe.

We believe that meaningful climate action requires a holistic approach that combines conservation, restoration, and community engagement. As the need for decisive action becomes increasingly critical, it is only through collective action that we can build a sustainable future that balances the needs of both people and the planet.”

Deepa Nagraj, Global Head of ESG & CSR, Mphasis

“Climate change today is no longer only an environmental issue and is increasingly becoming a livelihood, and social resilience challenge, especially for vulnerable communities across India. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, water scarcity, and changing agricultural cycles are directly affecting food security, livelihoods, migration patterns, and household stability for rural, tribal, and economically marginalized populations. The communities most impacted are often those whose lives are deeply dependent on natural ecosystems and informal livelihoods yet have the least capacity to adapt. At UST, we believe sustainability efforts must move beyond symbolic environmental actions and focus on long-term community resilience.

Across our CSR initiatives, we are increasingly integrating climate resilience with livelihood generation, nutrition, health, water conservation, education, and women empowerment. In regions such as Attappady in Kerala, we have supported climate-resilient agroecological farming practices that help improve soil health, food security, and sustainable livelihoods for tribal communities.

In our view, CSR and development programs must now adopt integrated, community-centered approaches that address climate change, poverty, hunger, and livelihoods together rather than as isolated issues. Building resilience requires long-term investments in water security, sustainable agriculture, local livelihoods, women-led economic participation, ecological restoration, and community awareness. Most importantly, resilience-building must remain inclusive, locally relevant, and community-led so that vulnerable populations are not only supported during crises but are empowered to build secure and self-reliant futures over time.”

Sunil Balakrishnan, Chief Values Officer, UST

These comments show that these leaders understand the urgency of the environmental need and they are committed to walk the extra mile to realise this goal. It remains to be seen how far the impact of this shall show in the near future.