SRINAGAR: India’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions saw fluctuations over recent years, with the country’s total emissions reaching 2,838.88 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (MtCO2e) in 2016, rising to 3,132.03 MtCO2e in 2019, and slightly decreasing to 2,958.58 MtCO2e in 2020. After accounting for Land Use Land-Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF), the net emissions stood at 2,531.07 MtCO2e in 2016, 2,646.55 MtCO2e in 2019, and 2,436.65 MtCO2e in 2020.
According to the latest government reports, the largest contributor to India’s GHG emissions in 2020 was the electricity production sector, responsible for 39 per cent of total emissions. This was followed by road transport at 9 per cent, enteric fermentation (methane emissions from livestock) at 8 per cent, non-specific industries at 6 per cent, and the iron and steel sector at 5 per cent. A similar pattern was observed in 2019, with the residential sector replacing the iron and steel industry among the top five contributors. In 2016, the electricity sector accounted for 40 per cent of emissions, while the other top contributors remained largely the same.
Despite its significant emissions, India’s historical contribution to global emissions remains minimal. The country accounts for less than 4 per cent of global cumulative CO2 emissions since 1850, despite hosting over 17 per cent of the world’s population. India’s annual per capita emissions are about one-third of the global average, underscoring its lower contribution to climate change in relative terms.
To mitigate emissions and promote sustainability, the Indian government has launched several initiatives. The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) serves as a central framework, with missions focusing on renewable energy, energy efficiency, water conservation, sustainable agriculture, and afforestation. Additionally, 34 States and Union Territories have developed their own State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCC) in line with the national framework.
India has also enhanced its commitment under the Paris Agreement. The updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) aims to reduce the emissions intensity of GDP by 45 per cent by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. Additionally, the country seeks to achieve 50 per cent of its electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources and create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through afforestation.
To achieve these targets, multiple schemes and policies have been implemented. The government has promoted clean energy through initiatives like the National Green Hydrogen Mission and PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. Energy efficiency improvements are being pursued through the Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) scheme and Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA). Other key initiatives include ethanol blending in petrol, the development of sustainable urban infrastructure under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), and afforestation efforts through the National Afforestation Programme and Nagar Van Yojana.
