China's Climate Reality Check: Where Does India Stand?

China Misses Climate Goals in 2024, while India Surpasses Huge Renewables and Lowers Carbon Emissions

China lagged behind its climate goals in 2024 by a slightly increasing rate of emission despite its efforts to utilize the maximum amount of renewable energy. India, though, made a tremendous leap of progress in development of renewable sources and carbon-cutting measures and surpassed its climate goals by folds. These are the indications of contrast between two of the earth's most densely populated nations as they compete in embracing economic progress and climate policy.

China's Carbon Challenges

World's largest carbon dioxide emitter, China, lagged behind the goal of cutting carbon in 2024. Carbon intensity, or carbon dioxide per unit of Gross Domestic Product, fell by just 3.4%, a figure lower than the official 3.9% reported by the government, a target missed in what will prove to be a pivotal year for China's climate policy.

It's a part of China's grander strategy of reducing carbon intensity by 18% from 2020 through 2025 as part of its medium-to long-term CO2 peaking and becoming carbon neutral by prior to 2030. Much as China continued to advance toward diversifying energy mix with an all-time number of renewable installation in 2024, coal dependence of the country continues to be an outstanding concern. Coal is the biggest source of energy in China, and its demand remains steadfast, barring further significant decreases in carbon emissions.

This is déjà vu for China's push to meet climate targets. It had lagged behind in 2023 following a post-pandemic energy boom but its authorities were anticipated to catch up by increasing action last year. While there was some progress in the generation of renewable energy, mainly solar and wind, persistent continuation of coal-fired units prevented the country from cutting emissions overall.

With the biggest polluter of the world, China, under scrutiny for its climate record, global leaders are demanding more speedy action before intergovernmental climate talks. With China's failure to achieve 2024 deadline, its commitment to the long-term Paris Climate Accord is questionable.

India's Climate Progress

While China stumbles, India has come far and even crossed its climate deadlines. India has been a tremendous success in terms of production in the field of renewable energy, which is solar energy, and has already achieved target 2024 climate goals. India has installed as much as 100 gigawatts (GW) of solar power and has reached this milestone in record time. India has come a long way in electrifying all the villages, which is key to economic development as well as in utilizing cleaner energy.

India's achievement proves that it can further accelerate its transition to clean energy and reduce emissions in line with its climate goals. India's approach to combating climate change has been one of using renewable power in driving economic development. Through clean power, India aims to deepen its industrialization, create millions of jobs, and improve public health gains along with reducing the price of energy and making it more secure for all.

India's success in its green energy project has drawn global acclaim, with specialists pointing to the nation's ability to expand even more of its green energy resources. India's vast geographical reach and huge population mean that much of its people are still subjected to the effects of climate change. However, its efforts to become resilient through the use of renewable energy facilities are graded as a template for other emerging nations to follow.

India's action on climate is consistent with its overall endorsement of the Paris Climate Accord, where it committed to lowering its emissions intensity by 33-35% over 2030-2005 levels. Through a combination of strong renewable energy goals and carbon cuts, India is showing that it is feasible to develop economically while continuing to make considerable gains against climate change.

Global Implications

India and China's alternative strategy to their climate agenda has worldwide importance in the fight against climate change. Both are the most populous nations on earth, and they decide if the world is going to achieve the goal of the Paris Climate Agreement or not.

China's inability to achieve its 2024 goal indicates the challenge of huge, fast-expanding economies to cut carbon emissions without losing economic growth. The nation's dependence on coal and other fossil fuels remains a major obstacle despite having made strides in the use of renewable energy. On the other hand, India's leadership in renewable energy and carbon reduction is a source of inspiration for other developing countries and demonstrates that clean energy can be economically feasible as well as environmentally.

Though each country must navigate its individual set of obstacles to achieve success, their steps do much to shape the fate of international action on climate. Through continued commitment to sustainability and renewable energy, India and China will drive the world toward global climate goals spelled out under the Paris Agreement and combat the climate crisis.

Source: Reuters, AFP