India's 7.93% Drop in GHG Emissions: Progress Toward a Climate-Resilient Future

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India has emerged as a global leader in climate action with its ambitious commitments and measurable progress in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The recent 4th Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) revealed a remarkable 7.93% reduction in GHG emissions in 2020 compared to 2019, marking a critical milestone on its path toward net-zero emissions by 2070.

Global Climate Goals and India’s Role

The UNFCCC, established in 1994, serves as a framework for international efforts to combat climate change. The 2015 Paris Agreement reinforced these efforts by aiming to limit global temperature increases to below 2°C and striving for 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

India’s climate action plan is guided by the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR), recognizing its historical emissions share of only 4% between 1850 and 2019, despite housing 17% of the global population. At COP26, India pledged to:

  • Achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
  • Install 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030.
  • Reduce carbon intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 from 2005 levels.

Key Insights from India’s BUR-4

India’s BUR-4 to the UNFCCC highlights:

  • Gross emissions (excluding Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry - LULUCF): 2,959 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (CO2e).
  • Net emissions (including LULUCF): 2,437 million tonnes of CO2e.
  • Sectoral contributions:
    • Energy: 75.66%
    • Industry: Significant contributor to process-related emissions.
    • Forests and Land Use: Sequestered 522 million tonnes of CO2, reducing 22% of gross emissions.

Long-Term Strategies and National Efforts

India’s Long-Term Low Greenhouse Gas Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) encompasses key transitions:

  1. Low-carbon electricity systems: Increasing renewable energy capacity.
  2. Efficient transportation systems: Promoting electrification and public transport.
  3. Sustainable urbanization: Enhancing energy efficiency in buildings.
  4. Decoupling economic growth from emissions: Innovating industrial processes.
  5. Nature-based solutions: Expanding forest cover and enhancing biodiversity.
  6. Engineering solutions: Exploring CO2 capture and storage.
  7. Economic instruments: Developing green finance mechanisms.

Major Climate Initiatives

1. Forest and Land Management

  • National Afforestation Programme: Focuses on degraded lands through community participation.
  • Green Credit Program: Incentivizes tree plantation on degraded lands.
  • “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” Campaign: Promotes tree plantation nationwide.
  • Miyawaki Technique: Used to create dense urban forests.

2. Air Pollution Control

  • National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Targets improved air quality in 131 cities.
  • Initiatives like ethanol blending and BS VI fuel norms further reduce vehicular emissions.

3. Coastal Ecosystem Conservation

  • MISHTI Program: Restores 3,046 hectares of mangroves across coastal states.
  • Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plans (ICZMP): Protects fragile ecosystems in Gujarat, Odisha, and West Bengal.

4. Renewable Energy Push

  • Achieved over 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2023.
  • Targeting 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, including significant contributions from solar and wind power.

5. Urban Adaptation and Planning

  • Smart Cities Mission integrates climate resilience in urban development.
  • Policies like the Swachh Bharat Mission and AMRUT support sustainable urbanization.

6. Regulatory and Legislative Measures

  • Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notifications safeguard mangroves, coral reefs, and other critical ecosystems.
  • The Environment Protection Act, 1986, and Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, underpin national climate policies.

Achievements and Challenges

India’s achievements include:

  • Transitioning to cleaner fuels like CNG and LPG.
  • Expanding solar and wind energy production.
  • Increasing forest cover and mangrove restoration.

However, challenges persist:

  • Balancing energy access with emissions reductions for its vast population.
  • Addressing vulnerabilities to climate impacts, especially in agriculture and water resources.
  • Mobilizing climate finance to meet ambitious goals.

Conclusion

India’s 7.93% drop in GHG emissions showcases its leadership in climate action, despite significant developmental challenges. With a clear focus on innovation, sustainability, and equity, India is not only meeting its commitments but also setting an example for other nations. Its strategic initiatives ranging from renewable energy expansion to forest restoration signal a resolute path toward a net-zero future.

As the world grapples with the dual crises of climate change and sustainable development, India’s approach reinforces that economic growth and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.

Location: India

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