Approach
Introduction: Briefly explain India’s climate commitments and their alignment with its developmental priorities.
Body: Discuss the Paris Agreement, COP26 (2021), and updates in India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) in 2022.
Conclusion: Highlight India's leadership in climate action and its progressive approach towards sustainable development.
Introduction
India, as a responsible global actor, has aligned its developmental priorities with climate action. Through Paris Agreement commitments and subsequent updates, it balances growth, sustainability, and equity in international climate negotiations.
Paris Agreement
The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change, adopted by 195 Parties at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris, France, on 12 December 2015.
India, as a signatory to the Paris Agreement (2015), has made several significant climate commitments aimed at mitigating climate change and contributing to global efforts in limiting global warming to well below 2°C, with efforts to limit it to 1.5°C.
Nationally Determined Contribution
India submitted its first Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in the year 2015 comprising of following two targets to be achieved by 2030:
Reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33 to 35 percent from 2005 level.
Achieve about 40 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources.
These two targets have been achieved well ahead of the time. As on 31st October, 2023; the cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources is 186.46 GW, which is the 43.81% of the total cumulative electric power installed capacity. As per the third national communication submitted by India to the UNFCCC in December 2023, the emission intensity of its GDP has been reduced by 33 percent between 2005 and 2019.
NDC was updated in August 2022 with several key changes:
India committed to reducing its GDP emissions intensity by 45% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels.
The target for electricity from non-fossil fuels was raised to 50% of cumulative installed capacity by 2030.
Introduction of the ‘LiFE’ (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative promoting sustainable living, aimed at combating climate change.
COP26
During COP26 in Glasgow (2021), India took following steps to enhance its climate commitments:
Net-Zero Emissions by 2070: India made a landmark commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, a key milestone that was welcomed as a significant step in reducing global emissions. While this target is later than the 2050 target set by many developed nations, it considers India’s developmental priorities and the need for financial and technological support.
Updated Renewable Energy Targets: India enhanced its target for renewable energy by pledging to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030, which is a substantial increase from its original commitment. This ambitious target reflects India’s focus on scaling up clean energy solutions to meet growing energy demands.
Reducing Total Projected Carbon Emissions: India committed to reducing its total projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030, showcasing its focus on addressing both emissions intensity and overall emissions growth.
Phase Out of Coal: India announced the intention to reduce the use of coal and shift towards cleaner energy sources, signaling a strong commitment to phasing out fossil fuel dependency in the long term.
Panchamrit (Five Nectar Elements): India articulated and put across the concerns of developing countries at the 26th session of the COP26 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It presented the following five nectar elements of India’s climate action:
Reach 500GWNon-fossil energy capacity by 2030.
50 per cent of its energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030.
Reduction of total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes from now to 2030.
