13 January 2025 : PIB Summary For UPSC
1. India’s Progress Towards Climate Resilience
(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2092311®=3&lang=1 )
| Topic: GS3 – Environment |
| Context |
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Climate Change and India’s Pledge to Net-Zero Emissions
- Climate change and rising temperatures pose significant threats to life on Earth.
- The UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) requires countries to submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
- India pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 during the COP 26 summit in 2021.
- In the 4th Biennial Update Report (BUR-4), India reported a 7.93% reduction in GHG emissions in 2020 compared to 2019, demonstrating commitment to sustainability.
India’s Role under the UNFCCC
- The UNFCCC aims to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations and promote global climate cooperation.
- The Paris Agreement adopted in COP21 in 2015 aims to limit global temperature rise to below 2°C and preferably to 1.5°C.
- India submits Biennial Update Reports to the UNFCCC to track progress in reducing emissions, detailing mitigation actions, and receiving international support.
Emission Reductions and India’s Progress
- India’s 4th Biennial Update Report shows a 7.93% reduction in total GHG emissions in 2020 compared to 2019.
- The energy sector accounted for 75.66% of total emissions in 2020, with land use and forestry efforts sequestering 522 million tonnes of CO2, reducing emissions by 22%.
- These efforts reflect India’s focus on climate change mitigation, considering its national development needs.
Challenges and India’s Path to Sustainable Growth
- India contributes 4% of global GHG emissions while having 17% of the world’s population.
- Despite having lower per capita energy consumption than developed nations, India faces significant challenges due to its large population and developmental needs.
- India’s climate strategy includes low-carbon pathways, energy access for all, and resilience to climate impacts.
- India’s Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategies (LT-LEDS) are aimed at low-carbon development and include seven key strategic transitions.
Key Strategic Transitions for Low-Carbon Growth
- Focus on low-carbon electricity development and efficient transportation systems.
- Promoting sustainable urban planning, material efficiency, and eco-friendly industrial systems.
- CO2 removal and enhancing forest and vegetation cover for ecological and socio-economic benefits.
- Long-term plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
India’s Initiatives for Carbon Neutrality
- India has implemented multiple initiatives for environmental protection, including afforestation and climate adaptation measures.
- Key initiatives include the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” tree plantation campaign, the Green Credit Program, and the National Afforestation Programme (NAP).
- Sustainable urban planning policies, such as the Smart Cities Mission, Atal Mission for Urban Rejuvenation, and Clean Air Programs, are key to India’s climate adaptation efforts.
- Efforts to conserve coastal ecosystems, like mangrove restoration programs and integrated coastal management, help mitigate climate risks.
Innovative Measures and Conclusion
- India has adopted innovative methods like the Miyawaki technique for tree planting at the Mahakumbh 2025 to improve green cover.
- With these strategies, India is paving the way for a climate-resilient and sustainable future while fulfilling its commitment to the global climate agenda.
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Practice Question: Analyze the factors contributing to India’s 7.93% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in 2020. How do these efforts support India’s long-term climate goals? (150 Words /10\\ marks) |
For more such UPSC related Current Affairs, Check Out –11 January 2025 : PIB Summary For UPSC
