Paris Agreement adopted at COP21 on 12 December 2015 marked a turning point in the fight against global climate change. With nearly every country signing the agreement, it laid the foundation for a collective effort to limit global warming to well below 2°C, with aspirations to keep it under 1.5°C. This international agreement has profound implications for India given that it is one of the biggest emitters of greenhouse gasses and needs socio-economic growth. India’s contribution and commitment to the Paris Agreement is outlined below, together with challenges and initiatives.
1. India’s commitment under the Paris Agreement
1.1. Contributions determined at the national level (NDCs).
- India’s NDC was submitted on October 1, 2015. It commits to:
- By 2030, the country should reduce its emissions intensity by between 33-35% compared to 2005.
- Assemble 40% of electric energy capacity using non-fossil-fuel-based resources by 2030.
- By 2030, create an additional carbon sink between 2.5 and 3 billion tonnes CO2 equivalent by afforestation.
1.2. Climate Justice
- India stresses the concept of equity and insists that the developing countries have the right pursue economic growth, while also addressing the climate change.
2. Key Challenges Facing India
2.1. Economic Development Vs. Climate Action
- India occupies a unique place, in that it has to simultaneously tackle poverty and promote economic growth as well as reduce emissions. The need for energy at affordable prices is important to improve the standard of living of millions who still lack access.
2.2. Reliance on fossil fuels
- India is a coal-based country, and a move to renewables will be difficult despite recent investments.
3. India’s Initiatives
3.1. Promote Renewable Energy
- Indian Government has increased renewable energy capability by setting targets for 175 GW and 450GW respectively by 2030.
- Launched in 2015, the International Solar Alliance aims to encourage solar energy, and promote collaborations between countries with a high solar resource.
3.2. Green India Mission
- The goal of this mission is to improve ecosystem services, by increasing forest coverage and restoring damaged ecosystems.
4. Local Adaptation Strategies
4.1. State Action Plans on Climate Change
- Different states have developed their own action plans for combating climate change. Rajasthan, for example, has concentrated on initiatives related to solar energy, water conservation and agricultural practices.
4.2. Climate resilient agricultural practices
- Sustainable agricultural practices are aimed at increasing production and reducing greenhouse gases.
5. Role of Technology and Innovation
5.1. Grids Smart and Energy Efficiency
- Smart grids help manage energy consumption, promote energy efficiency and reduce emissions.
5.2. Investment in Research and Development
- India has invested in developing climate resilient crops, technologies for energy efficiency, and carbon storage.
International Cooperation and Support
6.1. Climate Finance
- India and other developing countries require significant financial resources to adapt to climate change. These are provided by international climate financing mechanisms.
6.2. Knowledge Sharing
- India participates actively in international forums for the exchange of best practices and technologies, which can help in climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.
7. India’s Future: What are the Directions?
7.1. NDCs Enhanced
- India will be expected to increase its NDC’s ambition in accordance with Paris Agreement long-term objectives.
7.2. Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration
- In order to achieve climate change goals, it is important that local communities and industry work together with civil society, agriculture, and the agricultural sectors.
You can also read our conclusion.
India is committed to fighting climate change, while also pursuing sustainable development. The Paris Agreement provides a framework that can be used globally. In order to meet the challenges that lie ahead, it will be important for India to continue its efforts on renewable energy and technological investment, as well as international cooperation.
FAQs
1. What is Paris Agreement?
The Paris Agreement is an international treaty that aims to combat climate change by limiting global warming to below 2°C compared to pre-industrial levels, with an aspiration to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C. The Paris Agreement involves countries around the world committing to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
2. What is India’s contribution to the Paris Agreement
India’s contribution is through the Nationally Determined Contributions. In these, it commits to decreasing emissions intensity, increasing renewable energies, and improving carbon sinks. India participates in a variety of initiatives and partnership for climate action.
3. What is the main challenge India faces in terms of the Paris Agreement
India has to face challenges like balancing climate action and economic development, the reliance of fossil fuels and limited resources for climate initiatives. These challenges must be overcome while maintaining a sustainable growth.
4. What is India doing to promote renewable energy?
India promotes renewable energy through ambitious goals, investments in wind and solar power, and initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, which fosters collaboration among nations on solar energy.
5. What is Green India Mission?
Green India Mission (GIM) is one of eight missions in India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change. Its goal is to maintain biodiversity and increase forest coverage, while also enhancing ecosystem services.
6. What can you do to help India achieve its climate goals as an individual?
By adopting sustainable practices and reducing your energy consumption you can help. You can also support renewable energy initiatives by using public transport.
7. What is the role of international co-operation in India’s climate strategy?
India needs international cooperation in the areas of technology transfer and sharing, as well as climate financing. India can achieve its climate targets more efficiently by collaborating.
8. What is the impact of climate change on India?
India is affected by climate change through the extreme weather conditions, altered rainfall patterns, threats to agriculture, and reduced water availability. These issues have significant socio-economic impacts and demand adaptive measures.
9. What are the implications of India’s climate actions for afforestation?
As well as helping to sequester carbon, it also restores degraded soils, enhances biodiversity and contributes to local livelihoods. India must increase its carbon sinks in order to meet the NDCs.
10. What is the upgrade plan for India’s NDCs?
India’s NDC is likely to be revised and enhanced as the international climate negotiations continue, in line with more ambitious global climate goals.
