Climate change presents a global collective action challenge, primarily driven by historical and current greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with developed countries being major contributors. Despite its minimal per capita emissions, India is steadfast in tackling climate change, adhering to the principles of multilateralism, equity, and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) as outlined by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
At the 26th Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC in November 2021, India announced its ambitious target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. In line with this goal, India submitted its Long-Term Low Greenhouse Gas Emission Development Strategies (LT-LEDS) to the UNFCCC in November 2022, reaffirming its commitment to net-zero by 2070. This strategy is built on four key considerations:
Minimal Historical Contribution: India has contributed only 4% to cumulative global GHG emissions despite having 17% of the world’s population between 1850 and 2019.
Significant Energy Needs: With an annual per capita energy consumption of 28.7 gigajoules (GJ) in 2019, India’s energy needs are substantial yet below those of other developed and developing countries.
Commitment to Low-Carbon Development: India is committed to low-carbon development strategies tailored to its national circumstances, aiming to balance energy access with economic growth.
Building Climate Resilience: Given its diverse geography, India is vulnerable to climate impacts and is focused on enhancing resilience to protect its development gains.
India’s LT-LEDS encompasses seven strategic transitions: developing low-carbon electricity systems, creating efficient transport systems, promoting sustainable urbanization, decoupling economic growth from emissions, exploring carbon dioxide removal technologies, enhancing forest cover, and addressing the economic and financial aspects of low-carbon development.
While Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) offers potential, its current feasibility in India is limited due to cost and energy intensity. Instead, India’s strategy emphasizes renewable energy and energy storage solutions like Pumped Storage Projects (PSP) and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlights the issue of “carbon leakage,” where mitigation in one area leads to increased emissions elsewhere. To combat this, developed countries must reduce resource consumption and adopt sustainable lifestyles. India launched the “Mission LiFE” initiative in 2022 to promote positive behavioral changes towards mindful resource utilization, involving government, private sectors, and communities.
India’s revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) now emphasize promoting sustainable living through “Lifestyle for Environment” (LIFE), recognizing the need for a collective effort in combating climate change.