Invest in People’s Resilience and Clean Energy to Meet Climate Targets

Context:

• An editorial based on findings from the Global Carbon Project highlights that global carbon emissions continue to rise, threatening the achievement of the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C temperature goal.

• Despite significant growth in renewable energy, increasing overall energy demand is sustaining fossil fuel consumption.

Key Highlights:

Global Emissions Trends

• Global carbon emissions projected to reach a record high by end of 2025.

• United States recorded the largest emissions increase (1.9%), reversing a two-decade decline.

• India’s emissions increased by 1.4%, but at a slower pace compared to previous years.

India-Specific Developments

• Slower emissions growth due to:

  • Large-scale renewable energy deployment

  • Favourable weather conditions reducing energy stress

• Carbon intensity of India’s economy declined:

  • GHG emissions growth reduced from 6.4% to 3.6%

Paris Agreement & Carbon Budget Concerns

• Current trajectory points to 2.6°C global warming, far exceeding agreed limits.

• Carbon budget compatible with 1.5°C target is close to exhaustion at current emission rates.

COP30 Focus Areas

• Need to prioritise:

  • Clean energy investments

  • Resilience-building for vulnerable populations

  • Adaptation measures alongside mitigation

Relevant Prelims Points:

• Issue: Rising global emissions despite renewable energy expansion.

• Causes:

  • Growing global energy demand

  • Continued reliance on fossil fuels

  • Uneven pace of decarbonisation across countries

• Key Concepts:

  • Carbon Budget: Maximum permissible cumulative emissions to limit warming

  • Decarbonisation: Transition away from carbon-intensive energy sources

  • Renewable Energy: Solar, wind, hydro-based power generation

• India’s Initiatives:

  • Expansion of solar and wind capacity

  • Reduction in emissions intensity of GDP

• Impact:

  • Increased risk of breaching Paris targets

  • Higher climate vulnerability for developing nations

Relevant Mains Points:

• Environmental & Economic Dimensions:

  • Decoupling economic growth from emissions is critical

  • Renewable growth must outpace demand expansion

• International Relations Aspect:

  • Developed countries’ emission reversals undermine global trust

  • Need for collective action under UNFCCC and Paris Agreement

• Governance & Policy Insights:

  • Climate action must integrate mitigation and adaptation

  • Investments in people’s resilience essential for climate justice

• Way Forward:

  • Accelerate transition to clean energy systems

  • Enhance energy efficiency and demand-side management

  • Strengthen adaptation financing for vulnerable communities

  • Reinforce global cooperation at COP30

UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):

• GS 3: Environment, Climate Change, Sustainable Development

• GS 2: International Climate Negotiations, Global Governance

• Prelims: Carbon Budget, Decarbonisation, Paris Agreement