Write a review on India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement (2015) and mention how these have been further strengthened in COP26 (2021). In this direction, how has the first Nationally Determined Contribution (2021) intended by India been updated in 2022

Q18. Write a review on India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement (2015) and mention how these have been further strengthened in COP26 (2021). In this direction, how has the first Nationally Determined Contribution (2021) intended by India been updated in 2022? (250 Words)

Approach

Begin with how climate change creates developmental and security challenges for India and link it with the Paris Agreement and India’s first NDC (2015). Then, outline India’s progress on initial targets and how ambitions were strengthened at COP26 (Panchamrit) and the revised NDC (2022). Next, explain why India declared Net-Zero by 2070 despite constraints, followed by key challenges like coal dependence, finance, and technology gaps. Conclude with India’s proactive steps and need for global support.

Climate change poses developmental and security challenges for India. Under the Paris Agreement (2015), India submitted its first Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to balance growth with sustainability. Over time, these commitments have been strengthened, especially at COP26 (2021) in Glasgow, and formally updated through India’s first revised NDC (2022).

India’s First NDC under Paris Agreement (2015)

Emission Intensity:

Target: 33-35% reduction by 2030.

Achievement: Already reduced by ~33% by 2019 (as per MoEFCC/PIB), putting India well on track.

Non-fossil Capacity:

Target: 40% installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030.

Achievement: By 2023, 44% of capacity is non-fossil (renewables, hydro, nuclear) – target achieved 7 years early.

Carbon Sink:

Target: Additional 2.5-3 BtCO₂ sink through forests.
Progress: Forest & tree cover increased to ~24.6% of India’s geographical area (ISFR 2021). However, achieving the full sink target remains a challenge.

Strengthening at COP26, Glasgow (2021): (Panchamrit)

500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030.
50% energy requirement from renewables by 2030
Reduction of 1 billion tonnes cumulative emissions by 2030.
Emissions intensity cut by 45% by 2030.
Net-Zero by 2070, India’s first long-term goal – Climate Neutrality

Updated First NDC (2022):

Higher ambition: Emission intensity reduction target raised to 45% by 2030.
Energy mix: Non-fossil capacity target increased to ~50% by 2030.
Lifestyle for Environment (LIFE): Promoted sustainable lifestyles and demand-side action.
Continuity: Forest sink, adaptation, and finance goals retained.

Why has India declared Net-Zero despite developmental constraints?

Moral & diplomatic positioning: India has historically contributed only ~4% of cumulative emissions vs USA (~25%). Declaring Net-Zero by 2070 strengthens India’s argument of equity and climate justice, while showing willingness to act.
Global leadership of Global South: India positioned itself as a leader of developing nations by showing ambition but with a longer horizon (2070) that reflects developmental realities.
Economic opportunity: Renewable energy, hydrogen, and EV sectors are sunrise industries; by committing to Net-Zero, India attracts investment, boosts innovation, and builds green jobs.
Negotiating leverage: Ambition strengthens India’s case for climate finance and technology transfer from developed nations, pressing them to fulfill $100 bn/year commitments.
Strategic energy security: Moving to renewables reduces dependence on coal and oil imports in the long run, insulating the economy from global price shocks.

Challenges in achieving commitments

Energy demand growth: India’s rising electricity demand (expected to double by 2040) makes rapid fossil exit difficult.
Coal dependence: 70% of electricity still from coal; phasing down requires huge structural shifts.
Financial constraints: Achieving 500 GW renewables & net-zero requires trillions of dollars; global climate finance commitments remain unmet.
Technology gaps: Storage, green hydrogen, carbon capture are at nascent stages.
Land & social issues: Large solar/wind projects face land acquisition and displacement challenges (e.g., Gujarat, Rajasthan).
Institutional capacity: Implementation of EIA norms, mine closure plans, and state-level coordination is often weak.

Steps Taken by India to Achieve Targets

Renewable Energy Expansion: National Solar Mission, Ultra Mega Solar Parks, Wind Energy Corridors.
Policy & Finance Measures: Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs), Production Linked Incentives (PLI), PATScheme.
Mobility & Green Hydrogen: FAME-II Scheme, National Electric Mobility Mission, National Green Hydrogen Mission.
International Climate Leadership: International Solar Alliance (ISA), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

India has not only met but exceeded many Paris commitments well before the deadline, showing credibility in climate action. Ambitious steps like renewable expansion, hydrogen economy, EV promotion, and international leadership (ISA, CDRI) strengthen India’s case at the global level. However, achieving COP26 and NDC (2022) goals will depend on accelerating domestic reforms and ensuring adequate international finance and technology transfer, keeping in mind India’s developmental imperatives.