India’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Decline

January 2, 2025

India has made progress in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. In 2020, emissions decreased by 7.93% compared to 2019 levels. This decline is part of India’s broader strategy to decouple economic growth from carbon emissions. The country aims to further reduce the emission intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030. Additionally, India plans to achieve 50% of its electric power generation capacity from non-fossil fuels.

Emission Statistics

India’s total greenhouse gas emissions in 2020 reached 2,959 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e). When including land use, land-use change, and forestry (LULUCF), total emissions were 2,437 MtCO2e. Since 1994, emissions have risen by 98.34%. Despite this increase, the country has successfully reduced emissions relative to its economic growth.

Emission Intensity and Economic Growth

Between 2005 and 2020, the emission intensity of India’s GDP fell by 36%. This metric indicates the amount of greenhouse gases produced per unit of economic output. India’s efforts demonstrate a commitment to sustainable growth while addressing climate change.

Biennial Update Reports (BURs)

Developing countries, including India, submit Biennial Update Reports (BURs) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) every two years. These reports detail emissions data, progress on climate action, and the support needed for mitigation and adaptation efforts.

Future Goals and Commitments

India has set ambitious targets as part of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. By 2030, the country aims to reduce GDP emission intensity by 45% from 2005 levels. India also plans to achieve 50% of its cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by the same year.

Carbon Sink Initiatives

From 2005 to 2021, India created an additional carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes. The country has committed to enhancing forest and tree cover to create a further carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes by 2030. These initiatives are crucial for offsetting emissions and combating climate change.

Major Sources of Emissions

India’s primary sources of greenhouse gas emissions include carbon dioxide from fossil fuel combustion, methane from livestock, and emissions from aluminium and cement production. The energy sector is the largest contributor, accounting for 75.66% of total emissions. Agriculture follows at 13.72%, while industrial processes and waste contribute 8.06% and 2.56%, respectively.

LULUCF refers to land use, land-use change, and forestry.
BUR-4 is India’s fourth Biennial Update Report to the UNFCCC.
GJ stands for gigajoule, a unit of energy.
NDCs are Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement.
MtCO2e signifies million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.

Energy Consumption

Despite being home to 18% of the global population, India’s annual primary energy consumption per capita in 2022 was only 25.4 gigajoules (GJ). This figure is lower than the global average of 78 GJ per person. In contrast, high-income countries averaged 119 GJ, while the United States consumed 277 GJ per person. To meet its developmental goals, India must increase energy consumption while remaining committed to reducing emissions.

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