Relevance: GS Paper III – Environment & Ecology (Climate Change, Emission Trends)
Source: The Hindu, UNEP Emissions Gap Report 2025
Context & News
The UNEP Emissions Gap Report 2025 revealed that global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reached a record 57,700 Mt CO₂-eq in 2024.
India registered the largest absolute increase among all nations — adding nearly 165 Mt CO₂-eq from the previous year.
Despite this rise, India’s per-capita emissions (≈3 t CO₂-eq) remained less than half the global average, reflecting its relatively low emissions intensity amid rapid growth.
Understanding Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Concept | Explanation |
| Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) | CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, and F-gases trap heat, driving global warming. |
| Absolute vs. Per-Capita Emissions | Total national output vs. emissions divided by population. |
| Emissions Gap | The shortfall between current trends and targets needed to limit warming below 1.5 °C. |
Key Data – 2024 Snapshot
Indicator | Details |
| Global GHGs | 57,700 Mt CO₂-eq (highest on record) |
| India’s share | Third-largest emitter after China and the U.S. |
| Per-capita emissions | 3 t CO₂-eq (vs. world avg ≈ 6.4 t) |
| Main sources (India) | Power (27%), Industry (13%), Transport (13%), Agriculture (11%) |
Significance for India
- Highlights India’s dual reality — a rising global emitter but still below average per capita.
- Underscores the need for faster energy transition and clean-tech adoption.
- Supports commitments under Net-Zero 2070, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and SDG 13 – Climate Action.
Way Forward
Challenge | Action Needed |
| Fossil-fuel dependency | Scale up renewables and green hydrogen |
| Industrial emissions | Enhance energy efficiency and carbon capture |
| Agricultural methane | Promote sustainable farming and waste management |
| Policy alignment | Strengthen monitoring under National Carbon Market framework |
UPSC Prelims Practice Question
With reference to India’s greenhouse gas emissions, consider the following statements:
- India recorded the largest absolute increase in GHG emissions in 2024.
- India’s per-capita emissions were above the global average.
- Power and industry sectors together account for over one-third of India’s total GHG emissions.
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) All of the above
Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only
One-line Wrap:
India’s record emissions growth in 2024 underscores the challenge of balancing development with decarbonisation—a key test on the road to its 2070 Net-Zero goal.
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