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India’s commitment to combating climate change and fostering sustainable development was showcased in its 4th Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The report underscores India’s proactive strategies to address climate challenges while ensuring economic growth. Key highlights from the report reflect significant progress in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, increasing reliance on renewable energy, and enhancing carbon sequestration (removal) through forest and tree cover, leading to reduced emission intensity of GDP.
Decline in GHG Emissions
In 2020, India’s GHG emissions decreased by 7.93% compared to 2019. Total emissions, excluding Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF), were 2,959 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (CO2e). With LULUCF inclusion, net emissions stood at 2,437 million tonnes of CO2e. Sectoral contributions to emissions were as follows:
- Energy: 75.66%
- Agriculture: 13.72%
- Industrial Processes and Product Use (IPPU): 8.06%
- Waste: 2.56%
Emissions by gas type comprised:
- Carbon dioxide (CO2): 80.53%
- Methane (CH4): 13.32%
- Nitrous oxide (N2O): 5.13%
Others: 1.02%
Carbon Sequestration Achievements
India’s robust forestry and tree cover initiatives have played a critical role in mitigating climate change. In 2020, forests and tree cover sequestered approximately 522 million tonnes of CO2, offsetting 22% of the country’s total carbon dioxide emissions. From 2005 to 2021, an additional carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes of CO2 was created through afforestation and reforestation programs. Forest and tree cover now constitute 25.17% of India’s total geographical area.
Emission Intensity Reduction
India has made significant progress in decoupling economic growth from GHG emissions. Between 2005 and 2020, the emission intensity of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reduced by 36%, demonstrating the country’s commitment to sustainable development.
India’s transition to clean energy sources is another highlight of the BUR-4. By October 2024, non-fossil sources constituted 46.52% of the total installed electricity generation capacity, a testament to the country’s dedication to reducing dependency on fossil fuels. The cumulative renewable power installed capacity has grown 4.5 times, from 35 GW in March 2014 to 156.25 GW, including:
Solar Energy: 92.12 GW (35 times increase from 2.63 GW in March 2014)
Wind Energy: 47.72 GW (more than double the capacity of 21.04 GW in March 2014)
Total installed capacity of renewable power, including large hydropower, reached 203.22 GW.
Aligning with Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
India’s efforts align seamlessly with its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. The country has consistently adhered to the principle of equity but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR-RC). These actions are particularly noteworthy given India’s historical low contribution to global emissions and its current development challenges as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
Despite accounting for a minimal share of global cumulative emissions, India’s commitment to climate action is robust. The country aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2070 while fostering economic growth and lifting millions out of poverty. The BUR-4 reaffirms India’s role as a responsible global player, emphasizing multilateralism and equitable climate solutions.
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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