5 Year Climate Agenda for India

Context

• The Indian government needs to enhance India’s global climate leadership.
• India, having secured a seat at most international tables, must now showcase its prowess in climate action.

India’s Climate Transformation

• Past Decade Achievements: Significant climate intent and progress.
  • Transitioned from a hesitant participant to a bold leader in global climate discourse.
  • Established global institutions like:
    • International Solar Alliance
    • Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
    • Global Biofuels Alliance
  • Shaped the Green Development Pact during its G-20 presidency.
• Ambitious Targets
  • Net-zero target by 2070.
  • Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) milestones.
  • Shift from emission-intensity-based targets to absolute emission reductions.
  • Domestic debate on sustainability involves policymakers and the private sector.
• Sustainability-linked Economic Policies: Creation of an Indian emissions carbon trading scheme.
  • Scheme intended to operate for 30-40 years.

Next Five Years: Strategy and Goals

‘Go Higher’ – Enhancing Global Leadership:

• Potential to host significant international climate summits like the United Nations Conference of Parties in 2028.
• India should aim for major commitments in global negotiations:
  • Agreement on no new investment in oil and gas after 2030.
  • Significant commitments on adaptation finance for developing countries to tackle heatwaves, storms, floods, and droughts.
• Need to build consensus on contentious issues over the next four to five years.
• Emphasise the narrative of equity in international forums and create leadership space in global institutions for climate finance.

‘Go Wider’ – Broader Sectoral Targets:

• Beyond the power sector, India should set and communicate sectoral emission reduction targets:
  • Focus on zero-carbon two- and four-wheelers in private mobility, benefiting both urban and rural areas.
  • Promoting clean energy jobs and economic growth.
• Next NDC for 2035, due next year, is an opportunity to expand energy transition targets to other sectors.

‘Go Deeper’ – Sub-National Climate Action:

• Emphasise sub-national climate action and resilience:
  • The Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) is aiding various states with net-zero plans.
  • Collaborations with Tamil Nadu and Bihar for net-zero transition plans.
• Recommendations for deeper integration:
  • Create a Centre-State coordination group.
  • Incentivize State-level climate actions through the Sixteenth Finance Commission.
  • Integrate scientific modelling capabilities in policymaking.
  • Establish a unified data measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) architecture at the State level.
  • Ensure coordinated State-level actions while maintaining autonomy, with the Centre as an active facilitator.

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