Q. Write a review on India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement (2015) and mention how these have been further strengthened in COP26 (2021). In this direction, how has the first Nationally Determined Contribution intended by India been updated in 2022?
Introduction:
India’s climate strategy under the Paris framework combines equity with ambition—balancing development needs with progressively stronger mitigation and adaptation commitments.
India’s Commitments under the Paris Agreement (2015)
Core NDC Targets (2015)
- Emission Intensity Reduction
- Reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 33–35% from 2005 levels by 2030
- Non-Fossil Fuel Capacity
- Achieve ~40% cumulative electric power capacity from non-fossil sources
- Carbon Sink Creation
- Additional 2.5–3 billion tonnes CO₂ equivalent through forests & tree cover
- Adaptation & Climate Justice
- Focus on climate-resilient agriculture, water, disaster management
- Emphasis on CBDR-RC principle
Strengthening at COP26 (2021, Glasgow)
Panchamrit (Five Nectar Elements)
Announced at COP26:
- 500 GW non-fossil energy capacity by 2030
- 50% energy from renewables by 2030
- Reduce total projected emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030
- Reduce emission intensity by 45% by 2030
- Net Zero target by 2070
Significance
- Moves beyond intensity → absolute emission reduction signals
- Long-term decarbonisation pathway (Net Zero)
- Aligns with global 1.5°C efforts
Updated NDC (2022)
Submitted to United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
Key Enhancements
- Emission Intensity Target
- Increased from 33–35% → 45% reduction by 2030
- Non-Fossil Energy Share
- Strengthened from 40% → 50% installed capacity
- Economy-wide Coverage
- Broader sectoral inclusion (energy, industry, transport)
- Carbon Sink Target
- Retained (2.5–3 billion tonnes CO₂ eq.)
- Adaptation & Finance Emphasis
- Climate finance, technology transfer highlighted
Assessment / Critical Review
Strengths
- Ambition with realism (development-sensitive targets)
- Early achievement of earlier targets (40% non-fossil reached ahead)
- Leadership in global initiatives (ISA, LiFE)
Limitations
- No absolute emission reduction target (yet)
- Coal dependence persists (~55% power)
- Climate finance constraints
Way Forward
- Accelerate renewable + storage deployment
- Green hydrogen & EV transition
- Strengthen carbon markets
- Enhance adaptation funding
Conclusion:
India’s evolving climate commitments reflect a calibrated shift from intensity-based targets to deeper decarbonisation, positioning it as a responsible and proactive global climate actor.