India’s Climate Action and Emission Reduction Efforts

January 3, 2025

India has made strides in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and promoting sustainable growth. Recent reports indicate that India’s GHG emissions decreased by 7.93% in 2020 compared to 2019. The country’s forest and tree cover sequestered approximately 522 million tonnes of CO2, effectively reducing 22% of total carbon dioxide emissions. This progress is part of India’s commitment to environmental sustainability and aligns with its national development goals.

Emission Intensity Reduction

Between 2005 and 2020, India achieved a remarkable 36% reduction in emission intensity relative to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This indicates that the economy is growing while becoming less carbon-intensive. The focus on decoupling economic growth from GHG emissions demonstrates India’s commitment to sustainable development.

Contribution of Sectors to Emissions

In 2020, the energy sector was the largest contributor to India’s GHG emissions, accounting for 75.66%. Other sectors included agriculture (13.72%), industrial processes and product use (8.06%), and waste management (2.56%). About these contributions is crucial for targeted policy interventions.

Forest and Tree Cover Impact

India’s forest and tree cover has consistently increased, currently covering 25.17% of the country’s geographical area. From 2005 to 2021, an additional carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent was created. This marks the importance of afforestation and sustainable land use practices in mitigating climate change.

Renewable Energy Capacity

As of October 2024, non-fossil sources constituted 46.52% of India’s installed electricity generation capacity. The total installed capacity of renewable energy, including large hydropower, reached 203.22 GW. Furthermore, the cumulative capacity of renewable power (excluding large hydropower) increased from 35 GW in March 2014 to 156.25 GW. This growth showcases India’s commitment to transitioning towards cleaner energy sources.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Targets

India’s proactive measures align with its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) under the Paris Agreement. The country aims to reduce emissions while addressing its developmental aspirations. The principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities guide these efforts, ensuring that India remains committed to global climate action despite its low historical emissions.

BUR-4 – India’s Fourth Biennial Update Report to UNFCCC.
LULUCF – Refers to Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry.
CBDR-RC – Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities.
GW – Gigawatt, a unit of power equal to one billion watts.
NDC – Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement.

Future Directions in Climate Policy

India’s climate policy focuses on enhancing renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable land use. The government aims to further increase the share of non-fossil fuel sources in energy generation. Continued investment in technology and capacity-building is essential to achieve these goals.

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