Relevance for UPSC: GS Paper III (Environment, Climate Change, Energy Security); Prelims (Climate Targets, Agreements)
Source: The Hindu; policy analyses

Context

India has emerged as a credible climate actor by steadily progressing on its climate commitments, especially in reducing emissions intensity and expanding non-fossil energy capacity. These efforts are aligned with India’s Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement. At the same time, absolute greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, reflecting the core dilemma faced by developing economies: how to grow rapidly while limiting climate damage.

India’s Climate Commitments (Updated Nationally Determined Contributions, 2022)

India has committed to:

• Reducing emissions intensity of Gross Domestic Product by 45 percent from 2005 levels by 2030
• Ensuring 50 percent of cumulative installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030
• Creating an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent through forests and trees
• Achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070

Areas of Tangible Progress

1. Emissions Intensity Reduction

• India has achieved more than one-third reduction in emissions intensity compared to 2005.
• This has been driven by:
  • Energy efficiency improvements
  • Expansion of renewables
  • Shift towards less energy-intensive services

Concept explained: Emissions intensity measures emissions per unit of economic output, allowing economic growth with lower relative emissions.

2. Expansion of Non-Fossil Power

• Over 40 percent of installed electricity capacity now comes from non-fossil sources, including solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear.
• India is among the largest renewable energy producers globally.

Policy drivers:

• National Solar Mission
• Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy
• Green Energy Corridors
• Production-Linked Incentive support for domestic solar manufacturing

3. Clean Energy Scale and Innovation

• Target of 500 gigawatts of non-fossil capacity by 2030
• Rapid growth in:
  • Utility-scale solar parks
  • Rooftop solar installations
• Launch of the Green Hydrogen Mission to decarbonise fertilisers, steel, refineries, and heavy transport

Structural Challenges

1. Rising Absolute Emissions

• Total emissions continue to increase due to:
  • Rising electricity demand
  • Industrialisation and urbanisation
  • Continued reliance on coal

Concept explained:
India has achieved relative decoupling, but not absolute decoupling, where emissions fall in absolute terms.

2. Coal Dependence and Energy Security

• Coal remains critical for base-load power and grid stability.
• Renewable energy faces intermittency and limited storage capacity, slowing deeper transition.

3. Carbon Sink Limitations

• Forest cover has increased marginally, but:
  • Quality of forests matters more than area
  • Monoculture plantations do not store carbon effectively

Global and Equity Dimensions

• India strongly advocates climate justice and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities.
• India’s per-capita emissions remain far below global averages.
• India is seen as a country that meets commitments without imposing legally binding caps on growth.

Institutions such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund recognise India’s approach as a model for development-compatible climate action.

Way Forward

• Rapid scaling of energy storage systems, including batteries and pumped hydro
• Accelerated deployment of green hydrogen
• A just transition framework for coal-dependent regions
• High-quality nature-based solutions such as mangroves and agro-forestry
• Greater access to climate finance and technology transfer
• Stronger focus on urban transport, buildings, and electric mobility

Summary

India has made credible progress on climate commitments, but rising absolute emissions remain the central challenge.

One-line Wrap:
India’s climate pathway seeks balance between development, equity, and environmental responsibility.

Q. Evaluate India’s progress towards its climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. Highlight key challenges.