UPSC Mains — Previous Year Question
Question
Write a review on India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement (2015) and mention how these have been further strengthened in COP26 (2021). In this direction, how has the first Nationally Determined Contribution intended by India been updated in 2022?
Model Answer
India’s climate action reflects the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC), balancing greenhouse gas mitigation with economic development and climate justice. India’s climate pledges have evolved from its initial 2015 Paris commitments to enhanced targets at Glasgow (COP-26) and its formally updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in 2022.
Review of India’s Commitments under the Paris Agreement (2015)
- Emissions-Intensity Target: Committed to reducing the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33% to 35% by 2030 compared to the 2005 baseline.
- Progress: Achieved a 33% reduction in emissions intensity ahead of schedule by 2019, decoupling economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions.
- Non-Fossil Fuel Power Generation: Pledged that 40% of cumulative installed electricity capacity would originate from non-fossil energy resources by 2030.
- Progress: Surpassed the target ahead of time, crossing 43% non-fossil capacity by late 2023.
- Carbon Sink Creation: Pledged to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3.0 billion tonnes of $CO_2$ equivalent through afforestation and expanded forest cover by 2030.
- Progress: Created an additional carbon sink of roughly 2.29 billion tonnes of $CO_2$ equivalent through national afforestation programs.
Strengthening of Climate Commitments at COP26 (Glasgow, 2021)
At COP26, India presented the “Panchamrit” (Five Nectar Elements) climate agenda, raising national climate ambitions:
- Expand non-fossil energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030.
- Meet 50% of national energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030.
- Reduce projected cumulative carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes between 2021 and 2030.
- Reduce the carbon intensity of the national economy by 45% by 2030 from 2005 levels.
- Commit to achieving Net-Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2070.
- Introduced the global Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), promoting sustainable consumption behaviors to reduce emissions.
Formal Updating of India’s First NDC (August 2022)
| Target Dimension | Original 2015 Intended NDC | Updated 2022 Official NDC Submission |
|---|---|---|
| Emissions Intensity of GDP | Reduce emissions intensity by 33% to 35% by 2030 from 2005 baseline. | Target increased: Reduce emissions intensity by 45% by 2030 from 2005 baseline. |
| Non-Fossil Installed Capacity | 40% cumulative electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. | Target increased: Achieve 50% cumulative electric power capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030. |
| Carbon Sink Creation | Create 2.5 to 3.0 billion tonnes $CO_2$ equivalent additional forest sink by 2030. | Maintained the target of 2.5 to 3.0 billion tonnes $CO_2$ equivalent additional carbon sink. |
| Sustainable Lifestyle Focus | General references to conservation traditions and sustainable practices. | Formally embedded Mission LiFE as a pillar of national mitigation policy. |
India’s updated NDC reflects a balance between ambitious climate commitments and practical implementation. Achieving these goals requires predictable access to climate finance and international clean-technology transfers.