QUE : Critically assess India’s performance in combating climate change in light of the findings of UNEP’s Emissions Gap Report 2023.

UNEP recently launched its 14th Emissions Gap Report which tracks progress towards keeping global warming well below 2°C and aiming for 1.5°C in line with the Paris Agreement. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the global environmental governing body, comprising around 193 UN member states.

• Some shortcomings in India’s performance

•  According to the 14th Emissions Gap Report, GHG emissions in G20 countries are expected to increase by 1.2% in 2022, with increases in China, India, Indonesia and the United States.
•  India is heavily dependent on coal for its energy needs, with coal accounting for over 70% of its electricity generation, according to the 14th Emissions Gap Report. This reliance on fossil fuels is counterproductive to India’s long-term climate goals.
• India’s current emission reduction targets are not ambitious enough to meet the 1.5°C target of the Paris Agreement. Also, the lack of adequate infrastructure, especially in transmission and distribution networks, hinders the integration of renewable energy into the grid.
•  India needs $500 to $600 billion per year to achieve its climate goals, but inadequate financing is a challenge for India’s climate action plans.

•  Various initiatives taken by India in this regard

• 30 projects on climate change adaptation have been implemented in 27 states and union territories through the National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC).
  
•  India has 75 Ramsar sites covering an area of ​​1.33 million hectares, with 49 Ramsar sites added in the last 8 years. Mangrove cover increased by 364 sq km in 2021 compared to 2013. Government efforts include mapping and converging the 5Ps of people, policy, planning, programmes and projects.
  
•  India updated its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, setting a target of 45% reduction in GDP emission intensity by 2030.
  
•  Total investment in renewable energy in India from 2014-2021 was US$78.1 billion. The installed capacity is expected to cross 800 GW by 2029-30, of which non-fossil fuel capacity is over 500 GW.
  
• The National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to mobilise an investment of over Rs. 8 lakh crore by 2030.
  
•  Sovereign Green Bonds were announced in the Union Budget 2022-23.

•  The International Solar Alliance (ISA) which is an alliance extending to all 110 member countries. It has permanent observer status in the United Nations General Assembly.
  
•  The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) comprises 31 countries, 6 international organisations and two private sector organisations.
  
•  It was notified to reduce plastic pollution. Through which single-use plastic items identified were banned.
  

                            In the recently published “Climate Change Performance Index 2023” report, India is ranked 8th. This reflects the result of India’s multi-pronged approach and strong commitment to combat climate change. However, significant countries like the United States, China and the European Union lag behind in their efforts relative to the impact of global warming, which emphasizes the urgency of more concrete collective action against climate change.