PIB Summary- 15th January, 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

India’s Progress Towards Climate Resilience

Context

India’s 7.93% reduction in GHG emissions in 2020 reflects its commitment to sustainable climate action under the Paris Agreement.

Climate Change and India’s Pledge to Net-Zero Emissions

• Climate change and rising temperatures pose significant threats to life on Earth.
• The UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) requires countries to submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
• India pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 during the COP 26 summit in 2021.
• In the 4th Biennial Update Report (BUR-4), India reported a 7.93% reduction in GHG emissions in 2020 compared to 2019, demonstrating commitment to sustainability.

India’s Role under the UNFCCC

• The UNFCCC aims to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations and promote global climate cooperation.
• The Paris Agreement adopted in COP21 in 2015 aims to limit global temperature rise to below 2°C and preferably to 1.5°C.
• India submits Biennial Update Reports to the UNFCCC to track progress in reducing emissions, detailing mitigation actions, and receiving international support.

Emission Reductions and India’s Progress

• India’s 4th Biennial Update Report shows a 7.93% reduction in total GHG emissions in 2020 compared to 2019.
• The energy sector accounted for 75.66% of total emissions in 2020, with land use and forestry efforts sequestering 522 million tonnes of CO₂, reducing emissions by 22%.
• These efforts reflect India’s focus on climate change mitigation, considering its national development needs.

Challenges and India’s Path to Sustainable Growth

• India contributes 4% of global GHG emissions while having 17% of the world’s population.
• Despite having lower per capita energy consumption than developed nations, India faces significant challenges due to its large population and developmental needs.
• India’s climate strategy includes low-carbon pathways, energy access for all, and resilience to climate impacts.
• India’s Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategies (LT-LEDS) are aimed at low-carbon development and include seven key strategic transitions.

Key Strategic Transitions for Low-Carbon Growth

• Focus on low-carbon electricity development and efficient transportation systems.
• Promoting sustainable urban planning, material efficiency, and eco-friendly industrial systems.
• CO₂ removal and enhancing forest and vegetation cover for ecological and socio-economic benefits.
• Long-term plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.

India’s Initiatives for Carbon Neutrality

• India has implemented multiple initiatives for environmental protection, including afforestation and climate adaptation measures.
• Key initiatives include the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” tree plantation campaign, the Green Credit Program, and the National Afforestation Programme (NAP).
• Sustainable urban planning policies, such as the Smart Cities Mission, Atal Mission for Urban Rejuvenation, and Clean Air Programs, are key to India’s climate adaptation efforts.
• Efforts to conserve coastal ecosystems, like mangrove restoration programs and integrated coastal management, help mitigate climate risks.

Innovative Measures and Conclusion

• India has adopted innovative methods like the Miyawaki technique for tree planting at the Mahakumbh 2025 to improve green cover.
• With these strategies, India is paving the way for a climate-resilient and sustainable future while fulfilling its commitment to the global climate agenda.