India’s Climate Change Policy

India has been an active participant in global climate change negotiations for many years now. It signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1992 and acceded to the Kyoto Protocol in August 2002.

Since then, India has taken part in numerous international forums related to climate change, including G7 and G20 meetings. The country is also committed to taking action domestically, such as setting up a National Action Plan on Climate Change and launching several green energy initiatives.

These efforts demonstrate India’s commitment to tackling the challenge of climate change globally.

India is taking a firm stance on addressing the climate change crisis in order to protect its citizens and natural resources. With a population that relies heavily on climate sensitive sectors such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries and other natural resources for both subsistence and livelihoods, India has placed a priority on reducing the vulnerabilities of these systems to extreme climatic events.

At the same time, India has resisted calls for drastic reductions in GHG emissions that would impede its economic development and progress towards poverty alleviation.

India’s per capita GHG emission levels are much lower than those of developed countries, so it is instead focusing on more targeted strategies to reduce emissions such as energy conservation, the adoption of renewable energy technologies, water conservation, afforestation, and improved land and waste management.

These measures are expected to help address India’s share of global GHG emissions while simultaneously improving the lives of its citizens.

Remember This: India has communicated its climate change policies through two important documents – the 2008 National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and the 2015 Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Inter-Ministerial Apex Committee For Implementation Of Paris Agreement (AIPA)

India has established the Inter-Ministerial Apex Committee For Implementation Of Paris Agreement (AIPA) to coordinate and oversee implementation of the Paris Agreement.

The AIPA includes representatives from a number of government ministries. These ministries are responsible for research, development, implementation strategies as well as policy support to ensure that India is on track with its climate action commitments under the Paris Agreement.

The AIPA seeks to promote clean technologies, industries and fiscal incentives for climate smart solutions. It also provides a platform for India to represent its interests in international negotiations related to climate change.

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change: The nodal ministry is responsible for overseeing all environmental activities and coordinating the government’s policies and actions related to climate change.
Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences: It coordinates research related to climate change and its effects.
Ministry of Power: Ministry of Power conducts research on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the power sector. This includes research on coal-based thermal power stations, energy efficiency, conservation, pollution control, and other related initiatives.
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy: Research and policy support for the adoption of new, renewable energy sources and clean technologies.
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare: Research on climate change issues related to agriculture, impact assessment for various crops and agricultural systems.
Ministry of Rural Development: Wasteland development, supports infrastructure development in rural areas, including, such as the Integrated Watershed Management Programme scheme.
Ministry of Jal Shakti (Water Resources): Impact assessment on climate change effects on water resources and developing appropriate strategies.
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs: Provide a roadmap for cities to combat climate change, including investments for planning and implementing actions (e.g. Climate Smart Cities).
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare: Research and activities on the impact of climate change on human health.
Ministry of Finance: Policy support for implementing mitigation and adaptation strategies to address climate change, including fiscal support for research and developmental efforts, fiscal incentives for adoption of clean technologies, etc.
Ministry of Commerce and Industry: Develops policies (including trade) for promoting climate smart industries and use of clean technologies.
Ministry of External Affairs: Conducts international negotiations on climate change.

Other Important Organisations:

NITI Aayog (public policy think tank): public policy think tank NITI Aayog promotes research and innovation, and offers a strategic policy vision to the government and various ministries on issues related to climate change.
Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, along with the Ministry of Coal, are working together to implement policies that aim to enhance energy efficiency and reduce pollution caused by the use of fossil fuels in various sectors such as transportation and power generation.
Government organisations, research and development places, NGO’s (non-governmental organisations), businesses, and international groups are also involved in issues relating to climate change.

Key Policy Documents

National Action Plan on Climate Change

The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) is a comprehensive and innovative programme implemented by the Indian government for tackling the challenges posed by climate change.

It was launched in 2008 with eight national missions to address diverse areas such as solar energy, water conservation, forestry, sustainable agriculture, efficient energy use, sustaining Himalayan ecosystems and capacity building.
Through the NAPCC, India has set ambitious goals such as increasing energy efficiency by 20-25%, optimising water use and improving forest cover to 33%.
It also aims to create a sustainable habitat through efficient urban planning and waste management.

India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC incorporates its vision of ecologically sustainable development through eight priority National Missions –

(i) National Solar Mission,
(ii) National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency,
(iii) National Mission on Sustainable Habitat,
(iv) National Water Mission,
(v) National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem,
(vi) National Mission for Green India,
(vii) National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, and
(iix) National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change

NAPCC is complemented by State Action Plans on Climate Change submitted by the majority of India’s 29 states and seven union territories.

National Adaptation Fund For Climate Change (NAFCC)

The National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC) was created in 2015-16 to provide financial support for climate change adaptation activities across India.

The fund was established in response to the need to protect vulnerable regions from the growing impacts of climate change, such as increased temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, air pollution, and extreme weather events.
The National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC) is an ambitious project designed to help protect the environment from the effects of climate change.
The project has been implemented in a project-based model, and it supports adaptation action in areas such as agriculture, water, forestry, livestock and ecosystem restoration.
The NAFCC aims to help people and businesses adapt to climate change by providing resources for mitigation measures. This could include anything from developing water management systems to improving crop yields.
It is an important initiative that could help India reduce its vulnerability to the impacts of climate change.

NDC

In 2015, India released its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) as part of its commitment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The NDCs included two key targets: to increase the cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil sources to 40 percent, and reduce the emissions intensity of GDP by 33 to 35 percent compared to 2005 levels, by 2030. These targets were ambitious, however they have since been exceeded.
On August 26, 2022, the Government of India submitted an updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to demonstrate a higher ambition in its climate action plan.
The updated NDC has more ambitious targets that align with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which he shared at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP 26) in November 2021 in Glasgow.
The vision of “Panchamrit” aims to encourage sustainable lifestyles and achieve climate justice to safeguard impoverished and vulnerable communities from the effects of climate change.

Updated NDCs aim to achieve three goals by 2030:

to reduce emissions intensity by 45% below 2005 levels;
to have 50% of electric power come from non-fossil fuel sources;
and to create a carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 GtCO2e by planting more trees and creating forest cover.

Long-Term Low Emissions Development Strategy (LT-LEDS)

India submitted its Long-Term Low Carbon Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) on November 14, 2022, at COP 27. The salient features of LT-LEDS are:

It aims to use the national resources efficiently and prioritize energy security while transitioning away from fossil fuels in a fair, seamless, environmentally-friendly, and inclusive manner.
Objectives of the National Hydrogen Policy are being fulfilled through various measures.
These measures include the quick expansion of green hydrogen production, boosting electrolyser manufacturing capacity in the country, and tripling nuclear capacity by 2032.
These steps are being taken in conjunction with overall development of the power sector.
Transport sector’s low carbon development is predicted to be driven by the increased use of biofuels, such as ethanol blending in petrol, along with a push to enhance electric vehicle adoption and the increased utilisation of green hydrogen fuel.
India aims to increase the adoption of electric vehicles and achieve 20% ethanol blending by the Ethanol Supply Year 2025-26.
Additionally, there is a focus on switching to public transportation for both passenger and freight services.
Through city initiatives such as integrated city planning for adaptation, better energy and resource efficiency, and advancements in waste management it aims to create climate-resilient urban development.

LT-LEDS is inspired by the Prime Minister’s vision of LiFE that aims to promote a mindful and deliberate approach to resource utilization in contrast to mindless and destructive consumption of natural resources.

National Green Hydrogen Mission

India is taking a big step towards its goal of energy independence with the launch of the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM).

This ambitious program, approved by the government on January 4, 2023, will create demand for green hydrogen production and utilisation in India.
The mission has an initial outlay of ₹19,744 crore and it is expected to mobilise over ₹8 lakh crore in investments by 2030.
It will help reduce emissions from critical sectors and make India more self-reliant when it comes to energy sources.

NGHM is part of India’s overarching vision to become a global leader in clean energy technologies and solutions.

India’s Initiatives At The International Stage

International Solar Alliance (ISA)

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an intergovernmental organisation formed through a treaty to maximise the potential of solar energy and encourage its use for clean energy applications. It seeks to create a global market system to fully utilise the benefits of solar power.

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a pioneering effort spearheaded by India and France to unlock the potential of solar energy and drive investments.
With a goal of mobilising US$ 1 trillion of investments in solar energy by 2030, ISA aims to reduce the cost of technology and its financing.
On 6th December 2017, ISA became the first ever intergovernmental organisation to be headquartered in India after 15 countries signed and ratified its Framework Agreement.
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is working with international and regional institutions to bring about cost-effective and transformative solar energy solutions to the world’s least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS).
Through their collaboration with multilateral development banks (MDBs), development financial institutions (DFIs), private and public sector organisations, civil society, and other international bodies, ISA is working to increase access to solar energy.
The ISA now covers all 110 member countries and aims to help them adopt solar energy to improve energy access, enhance energy security, and aid in the energy transition.
ISA has identified a pipeline of 9.5 GW of solar energy capacity in its member countries, which includes large scale solar parks in various developing countries.
ISA is helping member countries set up solar energy demonstration projects with a grant of $50,000. Three of these projects were unveiled during the Fifth Assembly of ISA.

Coalition For Disaster Resilient Infrastructure

The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) is a global partnership launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India during the United Nations Climate Action Summit on 23 September 2019 in New York.

It is an initiative aimed at promoting resilience of infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks, so as to ensure sustainable development.

The CDRI consists of National Governments, UN agencies and programmes, multilateral development banks and financing mechanisms, the private sector, and academic and knowledge institutions from across the world. Through its efforts, it hopes to reduce infrastructure losses due to disasters caused by natural hazards such as floods or earthquakes.

The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) has seen tremendous growth in its membership since its founding. As of June 29, 2022, the coalition boasts an impressive membership of thirty-one countries across the globe, six international organisations and two private sector organisations.

This diverse membership encompasses countries from the world’s most advanced economies, developing nations and those that are particularly prone to climate change and disasters.

Leadership Group For Industry Transition (LeadIT)

LeadIT brings together a wide range of stakeholders, including corporations, governments, and NGOs, to develop the roadmap for transitioning to a low-carbon economy.

The initiative works to identify, develop and scale effective solutions that will enable a just transition towards a net-zero economy with respect for human rights and nature.

During COP 27, LeadIT members collectively agreed to adopt a joint statement outlining their agreement to certain actions.

(i) promote value chain partnerships and material circularity;
(ii) invest and cooperate on the planning and implementation of infrastructure to support energy and industry transitions;
(iii) give multilateral development banks and multilateral climate funds mandates to de-risk investments in the transition of heavy industries in emerging and developing countries;
(iv) formulate roadmaps for heavy industry sectors that include regulatory frameworks, incentives, and long-term strategies, to facilitate transition finance and attract private investments.

Initiatives Related To Key Environmental Issues

Conservation Of Biodiversity

The conservation of biodiversity is critically important as it helps maintain a healthy, functional ecosystem in which all species can survive and thrive.

When biodiversity is preserved, it provides humans with natural resources and essential services like clean air, fresh water, crop pollination and soil fertility.

India is among the top mega-diverse countries in the world, ranking eighth globally and fourth in Asia.
The country is home to a wide variety of fauna, with nearly 62% of amphibian species found in India being unique to the country and mainly found in the Western Ghats.

Indian parliament passed the Biological Diversity Act in 2002 to align with the goals of the CBD. The act requires a decentralised system with the National Biodiversity Authority operating at the national level, the State Biodiversity Boards at the state level, and Biodiversity Management Committees at the local body level to achieve its objectives.

These entities are independent bodies established by law, each with its own responsibilities and authority to ensure that both the Act and the Rules are effectively enforced.

Wildlife Preservation And Protection

India is committed to preserving its rich wildlife heritage by taking a variety of measures. The Wildlife (Protection) Act was passed in 1972 to provide special legal protection to endangered species and other wildlife.

This Act has since been amended multiple times to ensure that conservation efforts are strengthened and India meets its multilateral commitments towards wildlife conservation.

The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022 was recently introduced with the aim of further reforming wildlife conservation in India.

Plastic Waste Management

The Indian government is taking concrete steps to combat the serious problem of plastic pollution. On August 12, 2021, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued a set of Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules.

These regulations impose a nationwide ban on selected single-use plastic items from July 1, 2022 onwards. This includes items such as plastic bags, straws and containers with low utility but high littering potential.

These measures will promote a circular economy, reduce the plastic footprint from packaging materials, as well as support the development of alternative methods for plastic packaging. They are also a step towards achieving sustainable plastic packaging solutions among businesses across India.

E-waste Management

The Government of India has taken a major step towards managing e-waste in the country by introducing the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022. This new legislation has replaced the existing E-waste (Management) Rules, 2016, and came into effect from April 1, 2023.

The rules will be instrumental in encouraging producers to take responsibility for their products’ end life cycle management through an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regime.

They are expected to reduce illegal dumping of hazardous e-wastes while also promoting responsible collection and recycling of electronic goods.

These rules could have a significant impact on reducing environmental pollution caused by improper disposal and treatment of electronic waste in India.

Green Bonds

India has launched its Sovereign Green Bonds framework in order to tap into the potential of investors for financing public sector projects aimed at reducing the carbon intensity of the economy. The issuance of these bonds is part of India’s ambition to reduce its carbon footprint significantly and contribute to a greener future.

This will provide an efficient, transparent, and cost-effective avenue for raising funds from both domestic as well as international markets.

Forest Policy

India has been actively pursuing its goal to increase its forest and tree cover since 2015, with the aim of achieving an additional carbon sink of 2.5-3 billion tonnes by 2030.

Over the past fifteen years, India has seen a slow but steady rise in its forest and tree cover, and the government has implemented a variety of policies to further this growth.

These include providing incentives to farmers for tree plantation, setting up conservation areas to protect forests from illegal activities, and providing financial assistance to local communities for afforestation projects.

Additionally, the government has also declared several areas in India as “eco-sensitive zones”, which are protected areas with restrictions on industrial activities and the felling of trees.

India’s central and state governments implement various policies to protect and conserve forest. These include Green India Mission (GIM), Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA), National Afforestation Programme (NAP), Green Highway Policy – 2015, Policy for enhancement of Urban Greens, National Agroforestry Policy, and Sub-Mission on Agroforestry (SMAF), etc. are among the most important ones.

Approach To Transition To Renewable Energy Sources

India is taking a proactive approach towards transitioning to renewable energy sources. With an aim of achieving 50 per cent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030, the country has already achieved its initial target of 40 per cent in 2015.

The government is also investing heavily in research and development and infrastructure projects such as solar parks, smart grids, and wind farms to support this transition. It is also creating incentives for private sector investment in renewable energy technologies through tax benefits and subsidies.

River Conservation And Rejuvenation

India is taking proactive steps to conserve and rejuvenate its rivers, which are essential for sustaining life. The Government has launched initiatives such as the Central Sector Scheme of Namami Gange for River Ganga and its tributaries, and the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) to abate pollution in other rivers.

Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Dehradun has released Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for 13 major rivers. These reports suggest afforestation on riverbanks as a means to increase green cover, prevent soil erosion, recharge the groundwater table, sequester carbon dioxide, and undertake catchment area treatment and ecological restoration.

Preservation Of Ecosystems

Ecosystems are vital for maintaining a healthy climate, as they absorb and store carbon dioxide emissions that would otherwise increase climate change. Additionally, they provide habitats and food for the world’s wildlife, protecting biodiversity and ensuring a more resilient environment. Preserving ecosystems is essential for sustaining our environment and allowing us to reap the benefits of a healthy, vibrant planet.

Wetlands play a vital role in mitigating floods, droughts, and tropical cyclones by serving as buffers. They function as sponges by retaining excess rainfall and discharging it slowly during the dry seasons.

Ramsar Convention, signed on February 2, 1971, is an inter-governmental agreement that aims to protect the ecological character of wetlands of international importance. Wetlands that are declared as Ramsar sites are safeguarded.
In India, there are currently 75 Ramsar sites which cover an area of 13.3 million hectares. Over the past 8 years, 49 new Ramsar sites have been added.

Government is implementing the National Coastal Mission Programme to conserve and manage mangroves and coral reefs, taking both regulatory and promotional measures to ensure protection.

Regulatory measures are implemented through Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification (2019) under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972; the Indian Forest Act, 1927; the Biological Diversity Act, 2002; and rules under these acts as amended from time to time. As per the ISFR 2021, the mangrove cover in the country has increased by 364 sq. km. in 2021 as compared to 2013.

India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)

India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) was launched by the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in January 2019 as a national-level strategy to reduce air pollution levels across India.

The NCAP focuses on preparing and implementing city level action plans for 131 non-attainment and million plus cities, with an aim to reduce particulate matter levels by 40% or achieve national standards of 60 microgram/cubic metre by 2025-26.

States/UTs have been requested to mobilise resources from various Union government schemes for improved air quality.

The Government has taken several steps to combat pollution in the country, which include:

Notification of National Ambient Air Quality Standards,
Notification of Emission standards for industrial sectors from time to time,
Setting up of monitoring network for assessment of ambient air quality,
Introduction of cleaner / alternate fuels like gaseous fuel (CNG, LPG etc.),
Launching of National Air Quality index,
Leapfrogging from BS-IV to BS-VI fuel standards.