India’s Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC) represent a pivotal commitment towards combating climate change, outlining its ambitious targets to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of global warming. As one of the world’s largest and most populous nations, India’s INDC objectives underscore its significant role in global climate action. Central to achieving these objectives is the mobilization of substantial financial resources to support the implementation of mitigation and adaptation measures across various sectors of the economy. The funds required to meet India’s INDC represent a critical aspect of its climate strategy, reflecting not only the nation’s dedication to environmental stewardship but also the imperative of international cooperation in addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change.
- India presented its initial pledge in 2015, comprising three main objectives:
- (a) To decrease the emissions intensity of the economy by 33–35% compared to 2005 levels;
- (b) To have 40% of the installed electric power generated from non-fossil-based energy sources by 2030;
- (c) To establish an additional carbon sink of 2.5-3 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (GtCO2e) by 2030 through increased forest and tree cover.
India’s Revised INDCs
At COP-26 (Panchamrit) in 2021, the Prime Minister of India unveiled a new set of targets comprising five points:
(a) India aims to increase its non-fossil fuel energy capacity to 500 gigawatts (GW) by 2030;
(b) It intends to fulfill 50% of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2030;
(c) India plans to decrease its total projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes from the present until 2030;
(d) The carbon intensity of the economy will be reduced to less than 45%;
(e) India will achieve its target of Net Zero emissions by 2070.
- Two of the targets outlined, namely the reduction in emission intensity by 45% and achieving 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based technology by 2030, have been revised upwards and will be incorporated into India’s Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs).
- A notable amendment from the COP-26 declaration is that the 50% installed power capacity target will now encompass non-fossil sources, including large hydropower, and not solely renewable energy (RE) sources like solar and wind.
- The Government’s statement also emphasized that the Net Zero target is a long-term aspiration and does not meet the criteria for inclusion in the NDCs, which focus on five to ten-year climate targets set by countries.
- The other two targets related to carbon intensity and carbon sink, announced at COP-26 in Glasgow, have not yet been officially converted into targets. However, they are closely interconnected with other objectives, and any progress made towards official targets will also contribute to these goals.
- India’s INDCs acknowledge the importance of low-cost international finance and technology transfer but do not make the achievement of targets contingent upon their availability.
PROGRESS REGARDING INDIA’S INDC
- Commitment to Decoupling Economic Growth from GHG Emissions: By setting ambitious targets, India demonstrates its commitment at the highest level to decouple economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions.
- This reflects a proactive approach towards sustainable development and environmental conservation.
- Vision for Sustainable Lifestyles and Climate Justice: The new targets align with the Prime Minister’s vision of promoting sustainable lifestyles and ensuring climate justice to protect the poor and vulnerable from the adverse impacts of climate change.
- The proposed ‘One-Word Movement’ emphasizes Lifestyle For Environment (LIFE), highlighting the importance of individual actions in mitigating climate change.
- Transition to Cleaner Energy: The updated INDCs outline a framework for India’s transition to cleaner energy sources for the period 2021-2030.
- This signifies a strategic shift towards renewable and non-fossil fuel-based energy generation, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions.
- Opportunity for Economic Growth and Job Creation: The updated framework, coupled with other government initiatives, presents an opportunity for enhancing India’s manufacturing capabilities and boosting exports in the renewable energy sector. This transition is expected to create green jobs and stimulate economic growth while promoting sustainable development practices.
CRITICISMS OF INDIA’ INDC
- Dropping Ambitious Targets: The omission of the ambitious target to create new forest cover capable of absorbing 2.5 billion tons of carbon from the atmosphere by 2030 from the new INDCs is seen as a step back. Critics suggest that the lack of clarity on the scope of this target may have led to its removal, indicating a reluctance to commit to challenging objectives.
- Limited Improvement in Emission Intensity Target: Despite India’s emission intensity having already fallen by 24% from its 2005 levels by 2016, the new target of 45% reduction is perceived as lacking ambition. Critics argue that this reduction can be achieved without significant enhancement in climate action, making it more of a ‘business-as-usual’ target rather than a progressive step towards emissions reduction.
- Continued Dependence on Coal: The absence of an official target for reaching 500 GW of non-fossil fuel electricity capacity by 2030 suggests a continued dependence on coal for power generation in the near future. This indicates a lack of strong commitment to transitioning towards cleaner energy sources, raising concerns among environmentalists about the country’s contribution to mitigating climate change.
WAY FORWARD
Moving forward, several key approaches can be considered to address climate change effectively:
- International Equity and Climate Finance: Developed countries should acknowledge their historical responsibility for emissions and provide financial resources to developing countries based on principles of equity and justice. India, in particular, requires substantial financial support, estimated at US$ 1.4 trillion over the next two decades, to decarbonize its energy sector. Developed nations must fulfill their commitments to meet climate finance targets.
- Revision of Emission Reduction Schemes: Existing emission reduction schemes like the PAT Scheme need to be reassessed and revised for greater effectiveness. Sector-specific targets should be established to ensure meaningful emission reductions. This would require a more rigorous approach to achieve actual emission reductions in energy-intensive sectors.
- Adoption of Green GDP and Green Accounting: Countries should transition to measures like Green GDP or Green Accounting to accurately reflect environmental damage in economic indicators. This approach can incentivize sustainable development practices and highlight the true cost of economic growth on the environment.
- Integrated Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies: Adaptation efforts should be integrated with ambitious greenhouse gas emission reduction goals. As the impacts of climate change worsen, the effectiveness of adaptation measures diminishes. Learning from successful local-level adaptation plans in cities like Surat, Bhubaneswar, and Indore can guide the development of resilient urban centers.
- Public Awareness and Participation: Increasing public awareness and engagement on climate change is crucial. NGOs can play a vital role in raising awareness and mobilizing communities to take action. Initiatives like the Lifestyle for Environment (LIFE) movement can promote sustainable lifestyles and encourage individuals to contribute to climate change mitigation efforts.
FAQs – India’s INDC (Intended Nationally Determined Contributions)
1-What are India’s initial INDCs and how have they been revised?
A: India’s initial INDCs, presented in 2015, included targets to reduce emissions intensity, increase non-fossil fuel energy capacity, and establish a carbon sink. The revised INDCs, announced at COP-26 in 2021, added new targets such as increasing non-fossil fuel energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030 and achieving 50% of energy needs from renewable sources.
2-What are the key changes in India’s revised INDCs?
A: Two targets from COP-26, namely reducing emission intensity by 45% and achieving 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based technology by 2030, have been incorporated into India’s INDCs. Additionally, the definition of non-fossil sources now includes large hydropower.
3-Why hasn’t India’s Net Zero emissions target been included in the INDCs?
A: The Net Zero emissions target for 2070, announced at COP-26, is considered a long-term aspiration and does not meet the criteria for inclusion in the INDCs, which focus on shorter-term climate targets set by countries.
4-What is the progress regarding India’s INDC targets?
A: India has made significant progress in reducing emissions intensity and increasing non-fossil fuel energy capacity. The country’s commitment to decoupling economic growth from GHG emissions and promoting sustainable lifestyles is evident through its updated targets.
5-What criticisms have India’s revised INDCs faced?
A: Critics argue that dropping ambitious targets, limited improvement in emission intensity, and continued dependence on coal raise concerns about India’s contribution to mitigating climate change. The omission of certain targets, such as the forest cover target, has also been questioned.
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