01/12/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/12/2025 08:38
"India is the land of Mahatma Gandhi, whose vision for sustainable development inspires us greatly. We have shown what it is to realise key principles like Green Future and Net Zero."
~ Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi[1]
Climate change and rising temperatures pose serious threats to life on Earth, prompting the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to require countries to submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In response, India pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 at the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP 26) in 2021. India's 4th Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) highlighted a 7.93% reduction in GHG emissions in 2020 compared to 2019. This demonstrates India's commitment to a sustainable, climate-resilient future.
India's Climate Action under the UNFCCC[2]
The UNFCCC effective from March 21, 1994, aims to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations and promote global cooperation on climate change and long-term climate finance.The 21st session of the UNFCCC's Conference of the Parties (COP21) took place in Paris in 2015, where 195 countries adopted the Paris Agreement. The agreement aims tolimitthe global average temperature increase above pre-industrial levels to well below 2°C, and to pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°Cand peak greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible. It entered into force on November 4, 2016, requiring countries to submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) outlining their climate targets.
India submits Biennial Update Reports (BURs) to the UNFCCC every two years to track progress. These reports update the national GHG inventories, detail mitigation actions, and highlight the support received, including efforts to reduce emissions.
Emission Reductions and Climate Commitments[3]
India submitted its 4th Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) to the UNFCCC on 30th December 2024. The report shows a 7.93% reduction in total GHG emissions in 2020 with respect to2019. Excluding Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF), India's emissions were 2,959 million tonnes of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent, way to measure the impact of GHG). Including LULUCF, net emissions were 2,437 million tonnes of CO2e. The energy sector was the largest contributoraccounting for75.66% of emissions,along with other land use, sequestered approximately 522 million tonnes of CO2, equivalent to reducing 22%of the country's total emissions.
These efforts reflect India's commitment to combating climate change while addressing its national circumstances, based on equity and the principles of the Paris Agreement.
India's Path to Sustainable and Low-Carbon Growth[4]
India, despite contributing minimally to global warming, faces significant challenges due to its large population and developmental needs. The country is committed to low-carbon development and building climate resilience while addressing its unique circumstances.
India Achieving Goal
India has devised a Long-Term Low Greenhouse Gas Emission Development Strategies (LT-LEDS) to chart a sustainable path forward in addressing climate change. India's LT-LEDS involves seven key strategic transitions, namely:
Climate Action Initiatives for Carbon Neutrality[5]
The government has proactively undertaken various initiatives to address environmental challenges in the country. Some of the significant measures are listed below:
1. Forest Land Diversion & Mitigation Measures
2. Urban Climate Adaptation & Low-Carbon Development
3. Air Pollution Control & Clean Air Initiatives
4. Coastal Ecosystem Conservation & Resilience
5. Regulatory Measures for Climate Resilience
Alongside these initiatives, India is adopting innovative methods to enhance green cover and reduce carbon emissions. As part of this, the Miyawaki technique have been used for tree planting at the Mahakumbh 2025, highlighting the fusion of spiritual practices with environmental responsibility. In preparation for the event, dense forests have been created at various sites across Prayagraj to ensure clean air and a healthy environment for the millions of devotees expected to attend.
Conclusion
India is advancing towards a carbon-neutral future with a focus on sustainable development and innovative solutions. Committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, India is implementing key initiatives like its Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy and the Miyawaki tree planting at Mahakumbh 2025. These efforts ensure balanced growth and environmental responsibility, paving the way for a climate-resilient future.
Reference
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Santosh Kumar/Binoykumar C V/ Kamna Lakaria