Why in News?
India has recently unveiled its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for the period 2031-35 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in line with its obligations under the Paris Agreement.
About Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
- They are voluntary, country-specific climate action plans under the Paris Agreement aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change.
- NDCs are submitted every five years to the UNFCCC secretariat.
- Earlier India submitted its first NDC in 2015, updated it in the year 2022.
- These progressively ambitious targets align with India's long-term goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2070 and the vision of building a climate-resilient Viksit Bharat by 2047.
About India's NDC Commitments
Commitment Area | Initial Targets for 2030
| Updated Targets for 2030 | New Targets for 2035
| Current Status/Progress |
Reduction in Emissions Intensity of GDP (from 2005 levels) | 33-35% | 45% | 47% | 36% reduction achieved by 2020 |
Share of Non-Fossil Fuel Based Electric Power Installed Capacity | 40% | 50% | 60% | 52.57% achieved by February 2026 |
Additional Carbon Sink through forest and tree cover (from 2005 levels) | 2.5–3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent | 2.5–3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent | 3.5–4 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent | 2.29 billion tonnes equivalent by 2021 |
Measures Taken Towards Achieving the NDCs
- Accelerating Clean Energy: Supported by schemes like the National Green Hydrogen Mission; PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana; PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan); Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes for High Efficiency Solar PV Modules etc.
- Forging international partnerships: Through initiatives such as International Solar Alliance (ISA), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI); Global Bio-fuel Alliance (GBA); Leadership Group for Industry Transition (Lead-IT) etc.
- Industrial emission reduction: Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), notified in 2023 under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, laid the foundation for the Indian Carbon Market (ICM).
- Greenhouse Gases Emission Intensity Target Rules, notified under CCTS, set targets for high-emission sectors to reduce their GHG emission intensity.
- List of obligated sectors include Petroleum Refinery, Petrochemicals, Textiles, Aluminium and Secondary Aluminium, Cement, Chlor-alkali, and Pulp & Paper.
- Enhancing Climate Adaptation: The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) alongside State Action Plans (SAPCC) operationalize India's adaptive framework.
- Initiatives include the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture, Jal Jeevan Mission, and the MISHTI scheme for mangrove restoration.
- Expanding the Carbon Sink: Through initiatives like the Green India Mission; Nagar Van Yojana (NVY); National Fund of the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA); and the Finance Commission's criteria (which links the devolution of central funds to states based on their forest cover).
- Energy Efficiency: Through initiatives like UJALA (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All) scheme, Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP), BEE's Star Labelling Programme; Energy Conservation Sustainable Building Code (ECSBC) for commercial buildings, Eco Niwas Samhita for residential buildings etc.
- Other measures: Push for Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) and nuclear energy; Mission Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE); PAT scheme; etc.
Challenges for India in Achieving NDCs
- Financial and Technical Constraints: Scaling up NDCs is inhibited by the lack of adequate low-cost international climate finance and cutting-edge technology transfer free of IPR costs from developed nations.
- As per NITI Aayog's India Energy Security Scenarios (IESS) 2047, the total investment required for energy transition is estimated at ~USD 250 billion per year till 2047.
- Gap between Capacity and Generation: Although non-fossil fuel sources now account for more than 50% of India's installed power capacity, they contribute to less than 30% of actual electricity generated.
- Storage and Grid Related Challenges: The integration of renewable energy into the national grid is constrained by the high cost of large-scale battery storage and a reliance on imported critical minerals (like lithium).
- Heavy Dependence on Coal: Coal still continues to account for approximately 55% of India's electricity generation, necessitating just transition for coal producing districts.
- Land and Environmental Hurdles: Achieving the ambitious carbon sink targets is difficult due to land scarcity, rapid urbanization, and the long-term challenges of sustaining large-scale afforestation.
- E.g., Solar can need 300 times as much space as nuclear, and biomass more than 8,000 times.
- Environmental concerns: E.g., materials for solar batteries require substantial water extraction and carbon emissions.
Way Forward
- Mobilizing Climate Finance: Advocate for international climate funding and technology transfers that fulfils "Common but Differentiated Responsibilities" (CBDR-RC) principle, while actively leveraging financial tools like green bonds, blended finance etc.
- Enhancing the Renewable Energy Ecosystem: Invest directly in grid infrastructure, energy storage technologies, and green hydrogen development.
- Bridging the Capacity-Generation Gap: Boost the efficiency and reliability of renewable sources by promoting hybrid systems that integrate solar, wind, and storage.
- Strengthening Carbon Sinks: Expand initiatives in agroforestry, urban forestry, and conservation projects led by local communities.
Conclusion
India's NDC 2031-35 demonstrates leadership under resource constraints, achieving exponential progress (52% non-fossil capacity ahead of schedule) while advocating climate justice. Renewable energy acceleration, carbon sinks, and adaptation investments will help deliver Viksit Bharat 2047 in a prosperous and climate-resilient manner.
