India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement (2015) reflect the principles of climate justice and CBDR-RC, balancing developmental needs with global climate responsibility.
India’s Climate Commitments under the Paris Agreement (2015)
Reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 33-35% from 2005 levels by 2030.
Achieve 40% cumulative electric power capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030. Eg – Solar, wind, hydro, nuclear.
Create an additional 2.5-3 billion tonnes of CO₂-equivalent carbon sink through afforestation and tree cover.
Strengthen climate-resilient agriculture, disaster management and low-carbon infrastructure, while mobilising domestic and international finance.
Strengthening Its Commitments at COP-26 (Glasgow, 2021) – India announced the Panchamrit:
The mantra of LIFE- Lifestyle for Environment as a mass movement for Environment Conscious Lifestyles was also launched.
Review on India’s climate commitments
Key Achievements by 2024-25
Emission intensity of GDP declined by 33% from 2005 levels – on track to meet the 2030 target by 2026.
51% of total installed capacity is non-fossil (surpassed 50% NDC goal).
Carbon Sequestration: 522 MtCO₂ sequestered through forests and land use practices (BUR-4, 2024).
Policy Innovations:
Green Credit Programme launched in 2023 for afforestation incentives.
MISHTI mangrove restoration scheme covering 3,000+ hectares.
Launch of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign for mass tree plantation.
Gap Between Climate Ambition and Implementation
Overdependence on Fossil Fuels
Fossil fuels still account for ~73% of electricity generation (CEA, 2023).
Fossil fuel subsidies are 8x higher than renewable subsidies
Shortfall in Carbon Sink – Forest and tree cover 25.1% (SoFR 2023), short of the 33% goal
India’s emissions intensity target is rated “Insufficient” by Climate Action Tracker report
Delayed Data Reporting – India’s latest Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) covered data only up to 2020 and was submitted in late 2024.
Delayed Implementation of Net-Zero Roadmap – sector-wise decarbonization targets are not clearly defined or enforced.
Way Forward
Localized Climate Risk Mapping and Micro-Zonation using GIS, satellite data, and AI.
Nature-Based Solutions – Eg- mangrove restoration under MISHTI
Strengthen the Green Energy Corridor for better grid integration of renewables.
Promoting Circular Economy Eg- Enforce mandatory use of 30% recycled material in construction projects.
Climate-Resilient Agriculture
Scale up organic through Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY).
Develop agroforestry to improve soil health, reduce emissions.
Expanding Electric Mobility Ecosystem – Strengthen charging infrastructure across highways and cities (EV-charging at petrol pumps/dhabas).
With climate risks threatening a staggering 24.7 % GDP loss by 2070, resilient development is no longer just an option-it is an economic imperative to achieve the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat’