Context:
India has announced its 2035 climate targets (NDCs), reflecting a measured yet significant commitment to clean energy transition amid global financial constraints and geopolitical uncertainties.
Key Highlights:
- Policy Targets / Commitments
- Achieve ≥60% electricity installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2035 (up from 50% by 2030).
- Reduce emissions intensity by 47% from 2005 levels (higher than 45% target for 2030).
- Create a carbon sink of 3.5–4 billion tonnes CO₂ equivalent.
- Strategic Context
- Builds upon Paris Agreement (2015) commitments.
- Reflects India’s stance of “climate responsibility with equity”.
- Targets influenced by lack of adequate climate finance from developed nations (e.g., Baku 2024 negotiations).
- Focus Areas
- Expansion of renewable energy capacity.
- Strengthening carbon sinks (forests, afforestation).
- Greater emphasis on adaptation measures alongside mitigation.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs):
- Country-specific climate action plans under Paris Agreement.
- Emissions Intensity:
- Emissions per unit of GDP.
- Carbon Sink:
- Systems (forests, oceans) that absorb CO₂ from atmosphere.
- Paris Agreement (2015):
- Global pact to limit global warming to well below 2°C.
- India’s Previous Targets (2030):
- 50% non-fossil capacity
- 45% emissions intensity reduction
Relevant Mains Points:
- Significance of Targets:
- Demonstrates continued climate leadership among developing nations.
- Supports energy transition and sustainable growth.
- Enhances India’s position in global climate negotiations.
- Challenges:
- Dependence on climate finance and technology transfer.
- Balancing development needs with emission reduction.
- Ensuring just transition for fossil fuel-dependent sectors.
- Geopolitical Dimensions:
- Developed countries’ inadequate climate finance commitments.
- Global shift back to fossil fuels in some economies.
- India’s assertion of climate equity and common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR).
- Economic Implications:
- Requires massive investment in renewables and infrastructure.
- Opportunity to become a green energy leader.
- Way Forward:
- Secure low-cost international climate finance.
- Expand renewable energy manufacturing ecosystem.
- Strengthen carbon markets and green finance tools.
- Integrate adaptation with development planning.
- Enhance forest cover and ecosystem restoration.
UPSC Relevance:
• GS Paper 3: Environment, Climate Change
• GS Paper 2: International Relations (Climate Diplomacy)