Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
India, a signatory to the Paris Agreement (2015), has consistently demonstrated its commitment to global climate action while balancing its developmental imperatives. The Paris Agreement established a global framework for limiting global warming, requiring each signatory nation to submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) outlining their climate action plans. India's initial NDCs in 2015 marked a significant step in its climate diplomacy, reflecting a commitment to sustainable development. Over the years, India has not only pursued these goals but has also shown increased ambition, particularly evident in subsequent international climate forums like COP26 and through the formal update of its NDC in 2022, signalling a proactive approach towards a greener future.
India's Climate Commitments under the Paris Agreement (2015)
India submitted its first Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) to the UNFCCC in October 2015, which subsequently became its first NDC under the Paris Agreement. These commitments, intended to be achieved by 2030, were:
- Reducing Emissions Intensity: To reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33-35 percent below 2005 levels.
- Non-Fossil Fuel Capacity: To achieve about 40 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources.
- Carbon Sink: To create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover.
- Adaptation and Finance: To better adapt to climate change by enhancing investments in development programs in vulnerable sectors and to mobilize domestic and new additional funds from developed countries.
Strengthening Commitments at COP26 (2021) - The 'Panchamrit'
At the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow in November 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi significantly strengthened India's climate commitments by announcing five ambitious targets, famously known as 'Panchamrit' (five nectars). These pledges underscored India's enhanced ambition and leadership in climate action:
- Non-Fossil Energy Capacity: To increase India's non-fossil energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030. (Initial target was 40% of installed capacity)
- Renewable Energy Share: To meet 50 percent of its energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030.
- Total Carbon Emissions Reduction: To reduce total projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes from now until 2030.
- Carbon Intensity Reduction: To reduce the carbon intensity of its economy by less than 45 percent by 2030, over 2005 levels. (Initial target was 33-35%)
- Net-Zero Target: To achieve the target of Net Zero emissions by 2070.
These COP26 commitments represented a substantial scaling up of India's climate ambition, moving beyond the initial NDC targets and setting a long-term goal for decarbonization.
Updating India's First Nationally Determined Contribution in 2022
In August 2022, India formally updated its first NDC to reflect the enhanced ambitions articulated at COP26. The Union Cabinet approved these updates, which were subsequently communicated to the UNFCCC. The key revisions to the quantifiable targets were:
| NDC Component | Original Target (2015) | Updated Target (2022, based on COP26) |
|---|---|---|
| Emissions Intensity of GDP | Reduce by 33-35% by 2030 from 2005 levels | Reduce by 45% by 2030 from 2005 levels |
| Non-Fossil Fuel Installed Capacity | Achieve about 40% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030 | Achieve about 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030 |
| Carbon Sink | Create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 2030 | No change in this target in the 2022 update |
| Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) | Implicitly through sustainable development goals | Explicitly propagate a healthy and sustainable way of living based on traditions and values of conservation and moderation, including through a mass movement for 'LiFE' |
The updated NDC also formally incorporated India's long-term strategy of reaching net-zero emissions by 2070 and reinforced its commitment to stronger adaptation targets and building capacities for quick diffusion of cutting-edge climate technology. This update formally solidified the ambitious 'Panchamrit' pledges into India's official international climate commitments.
Conclusion
India's journey from the Paris Agreement in 2015 to its updated NDC in 2022 reflects a significant and progressive enhancement of its climate ambition. The initial commitments were a foundational step, which were then substantially scaled up through the 'Panchamrit' pledges at COP26, demonstrating India's leadership as a responsible developing nation. The formal update of the NDC in 2022 cemented these higher targets, providing a clearer roadmap for achieving reduced emissions intensity, increased renewable energy capacity, and a net-zero future by 2070. These actions underscore India's commitment to tackling climate change while pursuing sustainable development for its large population.
Answer Length
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