India’s progress on its climate targets

India's journey towards climate action is a fascinating case study of a developing nation balancing its developmental aspirations with global environmental responsibilities. The recent assessment highlights a mixed but generally positive trend: significant progress in reducing emissions intensity and boosting non-fossil power capacity, yet a persistent challenge in achieving absolute emissions reductions. Understanding this nuanced picture is crucial for competitive exam aspirants.

**Background Context and Historical Trajectory:**

India's engagement with international climate change negotiations began with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1992, followed by the Kyoto Protocol. Historically, India, along with other developing nations, advocated for the principle of 'Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities' (CBDR-RC), arguing that developed nations, having contributed most to historical emissions, bear a greater responsibility. India initially resisted binding emission reduction targets, prioritizing economic growth and poverty alleviation. However, as climate science became clearer and its own vulnerability grew, India gradually shifted its stance, culminating in its ambitious Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) under the Paris Agreement of 2015. These INDCs committed India to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33-35% from 2005 levels by 2030, achieve 40% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030, and create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 2030. At COP26 in Glasgow (2021), India further updated its commitments, notably aiming for Net Zero emissions by 2070, and increasing its non-fossil energy capacity target to 500 GW by 2030.

**India's Progress and the Core Challenge:**

India has indeed made commendable progress on two key fronts. First, it has successfully reduced its **emissions intensity of GDP**. This means that for every unit of economic output, India is now emitting less carbon dioxide. This decoupling of economic growth from emission growth is a significant achievement for a rapidly developing economy. As per official reports, India has already achieved a 33% reduction in emissions intensity between 2005 and 2019, much ahead of its 2030 target. Second, India has dramatically **increased its non-fossil power capacity**. Fueled by aggressive policies like the National Solar Mission, India's renewable energy capacity has expanded rapidly, making it one of the largest renewable energy markets globally. India surpassed its 40% non-fossil fuel-based installed electricity capacity target almost nine years ahead of schedule, reaching around 42% by 2022. This rapid scaling of solar and wind power has been a cornerstone of its climate strategy.

However, the central challenge highlighted is the translation of these achievements into **absolute emissions reductions**. While emissions intensity is falling, India's overall economic growth and increasing energy demand mean that total (absolute) emissions continue to rise. For instance, even with lower emissions per unit of GDP, if GDP itself is growing at 7-8% annually, total emissions will still increase. This gap between intensity reduction and absolute reduction is critical because global climate goals ultimately depend on lowering the total amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The next few years are indeed critical to bridge this gap, requiring more aggressive decarbonization strategies across all sectors, not just power generation.

**Key Stakeholders and Significance for India:**

Numerous stakeholders are involved. The **Government of India**, particularly the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), and NITI Aayog, formulate policies and set targets. **State Governments** are crucial for on-ground implementation, especially in areas like renewable energy deployment and forest conservation. **Public Sector Undertakings** (e.g., NTPC, SECI) and the **Private Sector** (domestic and international investors) are vital for financing and executing large-scale renewable energy projects and adopting green technologies. **International organizations** (UNFCCC, Green Climate Fund, World Bank) and developed nations provide financial and technological support. **Civil society organizations** play a role in advocacy, monitoring, and grassroots implementation.

This progress and the associated challenges hold immense significance for India. Environmentally, successfully tackling climate change is crucial for mitigating impacts like extreme weather events, water scarcity, and threats to agricultural productivity. Economically, a shift to green energy enhances energy security, reduces reliance on volatile fossil fuel imports, creates new jobs in green sectors, and fosters innovation. Socially, it improves public health by reducing air pollution and provides access to clean energy. Geopolitically, India's proactive climate action enhances its standing as a responsible global leader, especially through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

**Constitutional Provisions and Future Implications:**

India's commitment to environmental protection is enshrined in its Constitution. **Article 48A** (Directive Principles of State Policy) mandates that "the State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country." **Article 51A(g)** (Fundamental Duties) states that "it shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures." These articles provide the foundational legal framework for environmental policies. Key legislative instruments include the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and policy frameworks like the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) of 2008, with its eight missions addressing various aspects of climate change.

Looking ahead, the next few years will see India needing to accelerate its efforts. This includes expanding renewable energy beyond electricity generation to sectors like transport and industry, promoting energy efficiency, developing carbon capture technologies, and investing heavily in green hydrogen. The concept of 'Green Growth' will be central, aiming to achieve economic development while minimizing environmental impact. India's ability to achieve absolute emissions reductions while maintaining economic growth will be a critical determinant of both its own sustainable future and its contribution to global climate stability.