Preamble
As a large, rapidly developing economy with a significant population, high vulnerability to climate impacts, and growing energy needs, India plays a crucial role in global efforts to combat climate change. While historically a low per capita emitter, India's aggregate emissions are substantial, making its climate actions domestically and its stance internationally highly significant. This chapter will explore India's position on key international climate issues, detail its domestic initiatives and policies to mitigate and adapt to climate change, and examine its efforts in promoting renewable and alternative energy sources. Understanding India's multi-faceted response is vital for UPSC aspirants.
India's Stance on International Climate Issues
India's approach to global climate negotiations is guided by its development needs, historical context, vulnerability, and commitment to environmental protection.
Stance:
India consistently emphasizes that developed countries, due to their historical emissions and greater financial/technological capabilities, must take the lead in reducing emissions and providing support to developing countries. While acknowledging its own responsibility, India argues its primary focus must be on poverty eradication and socio-economic development, with climate actions not compromising these goals. Per capita emissions remain significantly lower than in developed nations.
Implication:
India advocates for differentiation in commitments and actions. It resisted legally binding emission reduction targets in the past (Kyoto-style) but has adopted ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
Stance:
India highlights inequities in historical emissions and current carbon space utilization, arguing for equitable sharing of the remaining global carbon budget. Climate justice also implies supporting the least responsible and most vulnerable in their adaptation efforts. The "Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE)" concept critiques high-consumption patterns in developed nations.
Stance:
India firmly believes that climate action must be pursued in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication. Access to energy is crucial for development, and while India is rapidly expanding renewables, its reliance on coal for energy security and development cannot be wished away overnight without adequate support. It advocates for development pathways that are both sustainable and inclusive.
Stance:
Given its high vulnerability to climate impacts (e.g., monsoons, agriculture, coastal areas, glaciers), India places strong emphasis on the need for international support (finance, technology, capacity building) for adaptation measures. India has been a strong voice for establishing and operationalizing a dedicated financial mechanism for Loss and Damage.
Stance:
India consistently calls upon developed countries to fulfill their commitments to provide adequate, predictable, and new and additional financial resources and facilitate technology transfer. It highlights failures to meet the USD 100 billion/year goal and advocates for a larger post-2025 finance goal. Access to affordable clean technologies is crucial for India's low-carbon transition.
Voluntary Commitments & "Panchamrit"
While emphasizing CBDR-RC, India has demonstrated its commitment to climate action through ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. India's "Panchamrit" (five nectars) commitments at COP26 further underscore its proactive approach:
Non-fossil energy capacity
Reach 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.
Renewable energy share
Meet 50% of energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030.
Emissions reduction
Reduce total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes from now till 2030.
Emission intensity reduction
Reduce the carbon intensity of its economy by more than 45% by 2030, from 2005 levels.
Net-zero target
Achieve the target of Net Zero emissions by 2070.
Stance:
India has expressed concerns about unilateral trade measures taken by some developed countries in the name of climate action (e.g., Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism - CBAM), viewing them as potentially protectionist and violating the principles of equity and CBDR-RC. It advocates for multilateral approaches consistent with UNFCCC principles.
India often plays a leading role in articulating the concerns and positions of developing countries in climate negotiations, often through groups like the G77+China and BASIC (Brazil, South Africa, India, China). It has also launched international initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), showcasing its leadership in specific areas of climate action.
Focus on Sustainable Lifestyles (LiFE Movement)
India has been promoting the concept of "Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE)" globally, emphasizing the need for changes in individual and community behavior towards mindful and deliberate utilization instead of mindless and destructive consumption to protect and preserve the environment.
This approach seeks to link sustainable consumption and production with climate action, advocating for a shift from 'use-and-dispose' economy to a circular economy.
Evolution of India's Stance
India's position in climate negotiations has evolved, reflecting its growing capabilities and commitment.
Early Phase (Pre-Kyoto/Kyoto)
~1990s - Early 2000s
Strong emphasis on historical responsibility and resistance to binding emission cuts for developing countries. Primary focus on securing development space.
Post-Copenhagen/Pre-Paris
~2009 - 2014
Increasing acknowledgement of the need for domestic action and a willingness to take on voluntary commitments, while still upholding CBDR-RC.
Paris Agreement and Beyond
2015 - Present
Proactive engagement with ambitious NDCs, leadership through initiatives like ISA and CDRI. Push for climate justice and adequate international support. The net-zero by 2070 target (announced at COP26) marked a significant step.
Timeline items can be animated on scroll with JavaScript for enhanced user experience. Current setup provides static visibility.