New Delhi: India became the first G20 nation to meet its climate targets ahead of schedule, thus setting a very significant milestone in global climate action. Prime Minister Narendra Modi made this declaration during his address to the nation on the 78th Independence Day from the historic Red Fort. It met more than its commitments under the Paris Agreement of 2015, thereby cementing further its lead in the global fight against climate change.
Climate Achievements and Commitments: India
The climate targets of India are embedded in its NDCs pursuant to the Paris Agreement, which is a global pact to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius. Of these, perhaps the most ambitious component of India’s NDCs is to install 500 gigawatts of non-fossil fuel-based electricity before 2030. This very target of exponential capacity addition in renewable energy has come in for a lot of admiration from the international community.
Currently, India’s installed power generation capacity is 446 GW, out of which almost 195 GW is contributed by non-fossil sources, majorly solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. This progress has been achieved through a mix of government initiatives, private sector investment, and international partnerships that put India on strong ground towards achievement of its goals for 2030.
Major Initiatives to Help India Achieve Its Climate Targets
Some of the key ongoing initiatives that will drive India toward attaining its set targets with respect to climate issues are: the complete electrification of the railway network of India, which is one of the largest worldwide. This would play a very important role in decreasing the country’s dependence on fossil fuels, hence reducing GHG emissions.
Another key initiative is PM Surya Ghar, which works at the level of households for the diffusion of solar energy. The program incentivizes the setting up of rooftop solar panels, targeting an increased share of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix, a reduction in carbon emissions, and further empowerment of citizens to contribute to climate action.
Another core component of India’s climate strategy is the promotion of electric vehicles. The transport sector is among the largest contributors to air pollution and GHG emissions, so a slew of programs within the government scheme have been undertaken to encourage the adoption of EVs by providing subsidies, tax incentives, and a network of EV charging infrastructure.
India’s Green Hydrogen Mission
In particular, the Green Hydrogen Mission holds tremendous potential for promising development areas within India’s climate strategy. It is of the view that if green hydrogen is made with renewable energy, then it holds the key to decarbonizing sectors that can ill afford electrification: heavy industries and long-haul transport.
India aims to emerge as an international production and export hub for green hydrogen. Various pilot projects are already under implementation by the government, and scaling up the production capacity is underway. Through green hydrogen, India will significantly be able to bring down its carbon footprint while potentially designing itself to take a lead in the prospective global green hydrogen market.
Pathway to 2070 Net-Zero Target
It has long-term development goals, with the aspiration to realize net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. Such a target is ambitious but indispensable in readjusting the development course of the country in order to meet the global climate goals. For that, the government has proposed an overarching roadmap: increased renewable energy capacity, enhancement of energy efficiency, and sustainable agricultural practices.
This would also include the roadmap on railway electrification, the PM Surya Ghar initiative for promoting household electrification, promotion of electric vehicles, and the Green Hydrogen Mission. Together, they form a multi-dimensional approach toward lesser carbon emissions and a low-carbon economy.
Global Implications of India’s Climate Leadership
That India will meet its climate goals well ahead of schedule holds huge implications for the battle against climate change. With India being the third-biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, what it does has huge implications for worldwide efforts to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. By being successful, India has set a fast pace, hence giving other nations, especially those in the developing world, a model to work from.
Moreover, India’s ambition in renewable energy and green hydrogen can drive innovation and cost reduction for these technologies, making them more affordable for many other countries. This could further quicken the pace of the global low-carbon transition.
Conclusion
Beating its climate goals ahead of schedule, India has shown that it will not back down on the sustainable development and climate action commitment the country is making. Over the years, India has managed to emerge at the forefront of global efforts against climate change through a mix of ambitious targets, path-breaking initiatives, and strong leadership. As the world wrestles with the pressing challenge of cutting down greenhouse gas emissions, India’s example offers hope and serves as an inspiration toward a sustainable future.
Source: Government of India, various industry reports