The Paris Agreement is a global agreement signed by 197 countries in 2015 with the aim to combat climate change and limit global warming to well below 2°C. India, being the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has a crucial role to play in achieving the goals of the agreement. India submitted its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) to the Paris Agreement in October 2015, which includes a set of measures and targets to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.
India’s NDC is focused on achieving three key targets: reducing the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33-35% by 2030 from the 2005 level, achieving about 40% of its cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030, and creating additional carbon sinks of 2.5-3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through increased forest and tree cover by 2030. India’s NDC is aligned with its national development goals and is a reflection of its commitment to sustainable development.
India has already made significant progress in achieving its NDC targets. As of 2020, India has reduced the emissions intensity of its GDP by 24% compared to the 2005 level. The country has also installed approximately 90 GW of renewable energy capacity, which is close to 30% of the total electric power installed capacity. India has also increased its forest and tree cover, creating additional carbon sinks of 2.99 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
India’s efforts towards achieving its NDC targets have been widely appreciated by the international community. However, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done, and India will need to continue its efforts to combat climate change. The country needs to focus on the implementation of policies and initiatives that promote renewable energy, sustainable transportation, and waste management. India also needs to enhance its capacity to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change, particularly in vulnerable regions such as coastal areas and mountainous regions.
In conclusion, India’s NDC to the Paris Agreement is a crucial element of the country’s commitment to sustainable development. India has made significant progress in achieving its NDC targets, but there is still a long way to go. The country needs to continue its efforts to combat climate change and implement policies that promote sustainable development. India’s success in achieving its NDC targets will not only benefit the country but also contribute significantly to global efforts towards combating climate change.
