Relevance: GS Paper III (Environment & Ecology) | Source: The Indian Express/The Hindu
News and Context: Every few years, countries must officially promise the United Nations how they plan to fight climate change. Recently, the Indian government announced its new, stricter climate promises (officially called Nationally Determined Contributions) that must be achieved by the year 2035.
The Big Upgrades
For your exam, you must remember how the old 2030 targets have been upgraded for 2035. Here is a comparison:
| Target Area | Old Target (For 2030) | New Upgraded Target (For 2035) |
| Clean Electricity (Solar, Wind, Water, Nuclear) | 50 percent of total power | 60 percent of total power |
| Pollution per Rupee Earned (Emissions Intensity) | Reduce by 44 percent | Reduce by 47 percent |
| Tree Cover (To absorb carbon dioxide) | 2.5 to 3.0 billion tonnes | 3.5 to 4.0 billion tonnes |
Some important Concepts
- Emissions Intensity: This is a very smart rule for developing nations. It means India will not stop its factories or economic growth. Instead, for every single rupee our economy earns, we will pollute 47 percent less than we did back in 2005. We will grow, but we will grow cleanly.
- The Ratchet Mechanism: This is a strict global rule under the climate treaties. Every five years, a country must make a tougher promise than its last one. You can only move forward; you cannot step back or lower your goals.
India’s Success and the Big Roadblock
- The Good News: Unlike many rich nations, India is actually on track to meet its promises. Huge domestic steps like the National Solar Mission and the Prime Minister Surya Ghar (rooftop solar) scheme are pushing the country toward clean energy rapidly.
- The Main Challenge: Shifting 60 percent of a massive country’s power supply to clean energy is incredibly expensive. The biggest roadblock is getting rich, developed nations to share their advanced technology and provide the promised climate funds to developing nations like India.
| UPSC Value Box |
| Why this issue matters for the economy and society: India is acting as a powerful role model for the Global South, proving that a country can lift its poor out of poverty while still protecting the environment. |
| Challenge and Way Forward: The main challenge is the high cost of green technology. The way forward is for India to strongly negotiate at global climate meetings to ensure rich countries finally pay their fair share of climate funds. |
One Line Wrap (/Conclusion)
India’s new 2035 targets prove that economic development and environmental care can walk hand in hand.
UPSC Mains Question
“India’s updated climate pledges for 2035 show a delicate balance between economic development and environmental protection.” Discuss. (15 Marks, 250 Words)
Mains Answer hint:
- Intro: Mention India’s newly approved 2035 climate promises (Nationally Determined Contributions) submitted to the United Nations.
- Body: * The Targets: List the 60 percent clean energy and 4 billion tonne tree cover targets.
- The Balance: Explain how reducing “Emissions Intensity” allows the economy to grow while polluting less. Mention local successes like the Prime Minister Surya Ghar scheme.
- Conclusion: Conclude that while India is sincerely doing its homework, rich nations must provide the promised money and technology to make these global goals a reality.
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