India's Progress and Challenges in Climate Action
Despite Delhi's deteriorating air quality, India is making significant strides in climate action, although more effort is needed. As the world's third-largest polluter, India has significantly reduced its fossil fuel emission growth rate by 65% in 2025 compared to the previous year. This improvement is partly due to increased renewable energy capacity and reduced electricity demand owing to an early monsoon, as reported at the COP 30 climate summit in Belem, Brazil.
Emissions Statistics
- Fossil fuel emissions in India increased by 1.4% in 2025, reaching 3.24 billion tonnes of CO2.
- This increase is lower compared to a 4% growth in 2024.
- India's growth in CO2 emissions is higher than the global average of 1% and China's 0.4% but lower than the US' 1.9%.
Global Climate Goals
- Current climate pledges by major polluters, except for India, extend up to 2035 but fail to significantly impact temperature increases.
- Projected warming under the "2030 and 2035 NDC targets scenario" is 2.6°C, exceeding the 1.5°C Paris Agreement target.
Role of Developed Nations
- To achieve more ambitious emission reductions, developed countries need to provide financial and technological support to developing nations.
- There is ongoing consultation for a roadmap to climate finance under the Paris Agreement.
Historical Emissions and Responsibility
- The US and EU have the highest accumulated fossil CO2 emissions since 1850, with China ranking third.
- India's cumulative emissions are significantly lower, at less than 70 GtCO2.
- India's per capita emissions stand at 2.2 tonnes, much lower than the US, China, and Russia.
Impact of Weather and Energy Use
- Weather changes, like the early monsoon in India, have influenced emission trends by reducing energy demand for cooling.
- India has surpassed its 2030 target for non-fossil capacity, driven by solar and wind investments.
- Future emissions are expected to peak between 2045 and 2050 as energy use increases responsibly.