India has officially committed to reduce its GDP emissions intensity by 45% by 2030 (from 2005 levels) and to meet 50% of its installed electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel based energy sources by 2030. What is the commitment?
The latest Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) were approved by the Cabinet on Wednesday, taking forward Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement at COP26 held in Glasgow last year.
The revised NDCs will now be informed by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Along with this, the country has reiterated its long-term goal of reaching net zero by 2070. The decision to increase the NDC reflects India’s commitment at the highest level to double economic growth by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the Cabinet said.
“The updated NDC has been prepared after considering our national circumstances and the principle of Common, but Differentiated Responsibilities and Related Capabilities (CBDR-RC),” a government spokesperson said. “India’s updated NDC also reiterates our commitment to work towards a low carbon emission path, while striving to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.”
NDCs do not commit it to any sector-specific mitigation responsibility or action. The goal will be to reduce the overall intensity of emissions and improve the energy efficiency of its economy over time, while protecting vulnerable sectors of the economy and segments of our society.
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The country had exceeded its previous targets. In its previous submission of required NDCs to the UNFCC in October 2015, the government listed eight targets. Three of them had quantitative targets by 2030, namely to reach 40% of total electricity installed capacity from non-fossil sources; Reducing GDP emissions intensity by 33 to 35 percent compared to 2005 levels and creating additional carbon sinks equivalent to 2.5 to 3 billion tons of CO2 through additional forests and tree cover.
Climate Finance
India has also emphasized the need for climate finance, highlighting that it will need to contribute to such international financial resources and technical assistance.
“India’s climate initiatives have so far been financed largely from domestic resources. However, the provision of new and additional financial resources as well as technology transfer to address the challenge of global climate change will require UNF It is among the commitments and obligations of developed countries under the CCC and the Paris Agreement,” the cabinet said.
Provision of the National Statement @COP26 Summit in Glasgow. https://t.co/SdKi5LBQNM
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 1, 2021
Wednesday’s decision also furthers the Prime Minister’s announcements on sustainable lifestyles and climate justice to protect the poor and vulnerable from the adverse effects of climate change.
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The updated NDC will be implemented during 2021-2030 through programs and schemes of the concerned Ministries/Departments with appropriate support from States and Union Territories.
According to the government, the target of net zero by 2030 by Indian Railways alone will lead to a reduction of 60 million tonnes of emissions per annum.
Similarly, India’s massive LED bulb drive is reducing emissions by 40 million tonnes annually.
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