India has made considerable progress in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, signaling a positive shift towards a more sustainable future. In 2020, the country saw a notable decrease of 7.93% in emissions compared to the previous year. This drop is part of a broader effort by India to separate its economic growth from the rise in carbon emissions, with the goal of achieving a green and sustainable economy.

Emission Reduction Progress: A Look at the Numbers

In 2020, India’s total greenhouse gas emissions were recorded at 2,959 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (MtCO2e). If land use, land-use changes, and forestry (LULUCF) are included, this figure drops to 2,437 MtCO2e. Despite a significant 98.34% rise in emissions since 1994, India has managed to slow down the growth in emissions compared to the pace of economic expansion.

Economic Growth with Lower Emission Intensity

Between 2005 and 2020, India’s emission intensity—measured as the amount of greenhouse gases produced per unit of economic output—dropped by 36%. This indicates that the country is making strides towards sustainable development, balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.

International Reporting and Climate Action

As part of its commitment to global climate action, India submits Biennial Update Reports (BURs) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) every two years. These reports provide key data on emissions, outline progress made in climate actions, and highlight the support needed for further mitigation and adaptation efforts.

India’s 2030 Climate Targets: Ambitious and Green

India has set ambitious goals under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) as part of the Paris Agreement. By 2030, the country aims to reduce the emission intensity of its GDP by 45% compared to 2005 levels. Additionally, India is striving to ensure that 50% of its total electric power generation capacity comes from non-fossil fuel sources.

Building Carbon Sinks for a Greener Future

India has already created a carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent between 2005 and 2021 through its efforts in forest and tree cover. Moving forward, India is committed to expanding these efforts, with plans to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes by 2030. These efforts play a crucial role in offsetting emissions and combating the impacts of climate change.

Key Sources of Emissions: Energy, Agriculture, and Industry

India’s greenhouse gas emissions stem from various sectors, with the largest contributor being the energy sector, responsible for 75.66% of total emissions. Other significant sources include methane emissions from livestock (13.72%) and emissions from industrial processes like aluminum and cement production (8.06%). Waste contributes an additional 2.56%. Addressing these major sources will be essential for reducing the country’s overall carbon footprint.

India’s Energy Challenge: Balancing Growth and Sustainability

Despite being home to 18% of the world’s population, India’s energy consumption per capita remains relatively low. In 2022, the country’s average energy consumption stood at just 25.4 gigajoules (GJ) per person, significantly lower than the global average of 78 GJ. High-income countries, such as the United States, consume far more—an average of 277 GJ per person. To meet its development goals, India will need to increase its energy consumption while continuing to focus on emission reduction strategies.

Moving Towards a Green Future

India’s journey towards reducing emissions while supporting economic growth is ongoing. With ambitious climate goals for 2030 and a commitment to clean energy, carbon sinks, and sustainable development, the country is positioning itself as a leader in addressing climate change. As it continues to balance growth with environmental responsibility, India’s path to a greener, more sustainable future is becoming clearer.

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