What is Climate Change.   Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature, precipitation patterns, wind patterns, and other aspects of the Earth's climate system. Such shifts can be natural or human-driven and it poses significant challenges to both natural ecosystems and human societies. 

Causes of Climate Change

§  Natural Causes include Volcanic Eruptions, Solar radiations, Tectonic Shifts etc.

§   Fossil Fuels Burning accounts for the largest contribution and it account for 95% of the world's transportation energy.

§   Industrial and Household Electric Consumption. 

§   Deforestation

Impact of Climate Change

§  Environmental.   Rising sea levels, extreme weather events (heat waves, droughts, floods, storms), melting glaciers and ice sheets, loss of biodiversity.

Social Impact.   Displacement of populations, food and water insecurity, increased health risks (related to heat stress, disease outbreaks, air pollution), and potential for conflict. 

 §  Economic.    Damage to infrastructure, disruption of agriculture and other climate-sensitive industries, increased costs for disaster relief and adaptation measures. 

India’s Current Energy Landscape.     India's energy landscape is predominantly fossil fuel-based, with around 59% of its installed power generation capacity derived from these sources. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that India will contribute 25% of the global energy demand increase from 2020 to 2040.

India’s Path to Net Zero Emission.    Net zero emissions refer to a situation where the amount of greenhouse gasses released is balanced with those taken out. By 2070. India, home to 1.4 billion people, has set an ambitious target to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, following its pledge at COP26 in Glasgow in 2021. Notably, this move is indispensable since India has become the third largest GHG emitter globally despite India's per capita carbon emissions being one of the lowest in the world.

National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).   The Indian government launched the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) in 2008 as a comprehensive strategy to address climate change challenges. It outlines a national approach to both mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change, emphasizing sustainable development and ecological sustainability. The NAPCC is structured around eight National Missions, each focusing on a specific area of climate action. 

Key Features of NAPCC

• Multi-pronged Approach.  The NAPCC employs a multi-sectoral approach with eight National Missions, addressing critical areas like energy, water, sustainable habitat, and Himalayan ecosystems. 
• Adaptation and Mitigation.  It focuses on both adapting to the unavoidable impacts of climate change and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions to limit future warming. 
• Sustainable Development.  The plan aims to integrate climate action with India's broader development goals, ensuring that economic growth is compatible with environmental sustainability. 
• National Missions.  The eight National Missions form the core of the NAPCC, each with specific objectives and strategies. 

Eight National Missions.

§  National Solar Mission.   Aims to establish India as a global leader in solar energy.

§  National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency.   Focuses on promoting energy efficiency across various sectors.

§  National Mission on Sustainable Habitat.   Aims to make Indian cities more sustainable and resilient to climate change.

§  National Water Mission.   Focuses on water conservation and management in the face of climate change.

§  National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem.   Aims to protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem from climate change impacts.

§  National Mission for a Green India.   Focuses on afforestation and forest conservation to enhance carbon sinks.

§  National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change.   Aims to generate and disseminate knowledge related to climate change. 

§  National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture.  Focuses on promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices.

Significance and Impact

• Long-term Strategy.   The NAPCC provides a long-term framework for climate action in India, guiding policies and investments in various sectors. 
• National Climate Priorities.     The plan helps advance the country's climate priorities, aligning them with its development goals. 
• Adaptation and Mitigation.   It integrates both adaptation and mitigation strategies to address the multifaceted challenges of climate change. 
• International Cooperation.   The NAPCC also contributes to India's commitments under international agreements like the Paris Agreement. 

Challenges and Opportunities

• Balancing Growth and Sustainability.   India faces the challenge of balancing rapid economic growth with the need to transition to a low-carbon economy. 
• Climate Finance.   Securing adequate climate finance is crucial for implementing the NAPCC and achieving its goals. 
• Technological Innovation.  Developing and deploying new technologies for clean energy and climate solutions is essential. 
• International Cooperation.   India needs to strengthen international partnerships to address climate change effectively. 

COP26 Commitments.   At the Glasgow Summit, India pledged to cut emissions to net zero by 2070, outlining a five-pronged "Panchamitra" climate action plan:

§  Achieve 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.

§  Source 50% of energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030.

§  Reduce projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030.

§  Lower carbon intensity of the economy by 45% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.

§  Reach net-zero emissions by 2070.

Progress Made - Recent Developments.   India has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. 

§  Decarbonizing the Energy Sector.   Decarbonizing the energy sector involves key initiatives such as prioritizing domestic production of photovoltaic modules through the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, promoting domestic manufacturing of green technologies like solar panels and electric vehicles. It reduces import dependency, enhances energy security, and lowers carbon emissions while fostering job creation and innovation. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Mahabhiyaan (PM-KUSUM) scheme offers subsidies for farmers to install solar irrigation pumps.

• Renewable Energy Targets.  India has set ambitious targets for renewable energy capacity, including 500 GW by 2030. 
• Green Hydrogen Mission.  India is also focusing on the development of green hydrogen as a clean energy source. India is focusing on hydrogen as a critical element for decarbonizing energy-intensive industries and transportation. Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the country aspires to become a global hub for green hydrogen production, usage, and export, although this initiative is still in its nascent stages.
• Climate-Resilient Agriculture.  Initiatives are promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices to enhance food security and sustainability. 

§   Carbon Credits Market.   GoI has made efforts in making the carbon credits market more inclusive, allowing non-obligated companies to voluntarily participate in carbon reduction efforts, thereby enhancing overall emissions management.

§   Promotion of Electric Vehicles (EVs).   To make EVs financially viable, the GOI has introduced a Battery Swapping Policy and a PLI scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cells (ACC), targeting the reduction of battery costs, which constitute about 40% of vehicle expenses.

§   Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles (EVs).   The slow development of EV infrastructure, particularly the shortage of public charging stations hinders widespread EV adoption. Additionally, the high costs of establishing and maintaining charging networks exacerbate the problem.

§   Forest Conservation - Carbon Sequestration Efforts.    To enhance carbon sequestration through natural sinks, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) plans to establish up to 1,000 Nagar Vans (urban forests) across India under the Nagar Van Yojana.

§   Renewable Energy Capacity Growth.  India's installed renewable energy capacity has increased by 165% over the past decade, rising from 76.38 GW in 2014 to 203.1 GW in 2024 and ranks fourth globally in renewable energy capacity.

The Way Forward : Road Map for India to Achieve Net-Zero Target

§   National Mission for Green India (GIM).    India's journey towards net-zero emissions requires a comprehensive approach involving various sectors and stakeholders. By enhancing carbon sequestration through afforestation, adopting sustainable agricultural practices, India can offset its carbon footprint.

   Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) Scheme.  The push for green transportation is essential for reducing emissions, while climate-smart agriculture practices, such as organic farming, agroforestry and precision agriculture are encouraged by the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).

   International collaboration is crucial for accessing Clean Technologies, securing climate finance, and sharing best practices with other developing nations through platforms like the International Solar Alliance.

§  The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi provides financial support to small and marginal farmers, encouraging them to adopt sustainable farming practices.

§  Learn from Others.  China's extensive investments in renewable energy and Germany's leadership in energy efficiency. By implementing these strategies and drawing inspiration from global best practices, India can achieve its net-zero target and contribute to a sustainable future.

Final Thoughts.    Addressing climate change necessitates a coordinated global effort, with nations adopting tailored sustainable practices. India's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 is ambitious, given its energy demands and developmental priorities. By utilizing renewable energy, enhancing carbon sequestration, and embracing technological innovation, India can facilitate a green transition.

However, success depends on robust policy support, international collaboration, and significant investment in sustainable infrastructure and clean technologies. Balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility is essential for a resilient and sustainable future.