India’s Fourth Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) To UNFCCC

On December 30, 2024, India submitted its Fourth Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) to the UNFCCC, providing the 2020 National Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventory along with updates on national circumstances and mitigation efforts.

India’s BUR-4 presents an updated account of its climate actions, GHG inventory, and mitigation strategies for 2020, submitted under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

As a rapidly developing economy, India balances the dual imperatives of sustainable growth and climate action, underpinned by equity and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR).

The report outlines India’s progress across multiple sectors, emphasizing renewable energy, resilience-building, and contributions to global climate initiatives.

India’s Commitment To Sustainable Growth

India is committed to sustainable development and addressing climate change while balancing its unique challenges of a large population and developmental needs.

• Minimal Contribution to Global Warming: India’s share of global GHG emissions from 1850 to 2019 is only 4%, despite having 17% of the world’s population.
• Low Energy Consumption: In 2019, India’s annual per capita primary energy consumption was 28.7 gigajoules (GJ), significantly lower than both developed and developing countries.
• Focus on Low-Carbon Growth: The country is dedicated to low-carbon development while ensuring access to energy for households, energy security, and economic growth.
• Climate Vulnerability: India’s diverse geography makes it highly vulnerable to climate change impacts.
• Importance of Adaptation: Adaptation strategies are vital to safeguard development progress and promote sustainable future growth.

India’s Strategy For Low-Carbon Development

India has formulated a Long-Term Low Greenhouse Gas Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) to address climate change and promote sustainable growth. The strategy outlines seven key transitions to achieve these goals.

• Low-Carbon Electricity Development: Focus on sustainable development through low-carbon electricity systems.
• Efficient Transport Systems: Build an integrated, inclusive, and low-carbon transportation network.
• Sustainable Urbanization: Adapt urban design to include energy-efficient and material-efficient buildings while promoting sustainable urbanization.
• Decoupling Growth from Emissions: Encourage economic growth that reduces emissions by fostering an efficient, innovative, and low-emission industrial system.
• CO2 Removal Solutions: Explore carbon dioxide removal technologies and related engineering solutions.
• Forest and Vegetation Enhancement: Increase forest and vegetation cover while balancing socio-economic and ecological needs.
• Economic and Financial Transition: Address economic and financial aspects for long-term low-carbon development and aim for net-zero emissions by 2070.

Climate Action Initiatives For Carbon Neutrality

The government has implemented several proactive measures to tackle environmental challenges and promote sustainability. Key initiatives include:

• Forest Fragmentation Consideration: Forest fragmentation is carefully evaluated during land diversion approvals for non-forestry purposes under the Van Adhiniyam, 1980.
• Compensatory Afforestation: Mandatory afforestation measures are implemented for land diversion, focusing on soil and moisture conservation and eco-restoration.
• “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” Campaign: A nationwide tree plantation drive launched on World Environment Day 2024 to encourage tree planting.
• Green Credit Program: Initiated in 2023, this program promotes tree plantation on degraded forest land to generate green credits.
• National Afforestation Programme (NAP): A nationwide afforestation initiative carried out in degraded forest areas, emphasizing community participation and decentralized forest governance.

Urban Climate Adaptation And Low-Carbon Development

India is prioritizing adaptation and sustainability in urban development to promote a low-carbon future. Key initiatives and strategies include:

• Mainstreaming Adaptation in Urban Planning: India’s LT-LEDS highlights the integration of adaptation measures and improved energy and resource efficiency in urban planning policies and guidelines.
• Sustainable Urban Planning Policies: Major policies and programs supporting low-carbon urban development include:
  • URDPFI Guidelines: Guidelines for urban and regional development planning.
  • Town and Country Planning Act: Framework for regulating land use and planning.
  • Smart Cities Mission: Focused on creating sustainable and smart urban infrastructure.
  • AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation): Aiming at urban transformation and improving basic services.
  • PMAY (Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana): Housing initiatives promoting affordable and sustainable living.
  • SBM (Swachh Bharat Mission): Nationwide efforts for cleanliness and sanitation.

Air Pollution Control And Clean Air Initiatives

India is taking comprehensive steps to reduce air pollution and improve air quality through targeted programs and policies.

• National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Focused on enhancing air quality with city-specific action plans for 131 cities.
• Funding and Implementation: Supported by schemes such as:
  • SBM (Urban): Cleanliness and waste management in urban areas.
  • AMRUT: Urban transformation and basic services improvement.
  • SATAT: Promoting sustainable and affordable transportation.
  • FAME-II: Encouraging the adoption of hybrid and electric vehicles.
  • Nagar Van Yojna: Urban forest development for improving air quality.
• Air Pollution Abatement Measures: Key actions include:
  • Promotion of cleaner fuels like CNG and LPG.
  • Ethanol blending with conventional fuels.
  • Implementation of BS VI fuel standards.
  • Enhanced air quality management systems.

Coastal Ecosystem Conservation And Resilience

India is implementing various initiatives to conserve coastal ecosystems and enhance resilience against climate change impacts.

• Mangrove and Coral Reef Conservation: Coastal states and UTs receive financial assistance to strengthen climate resilience, including mangrove conservation efforts.
• Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plans (ICZMP): Specific plans have been developed for Gujarat, Odisha, and West Bengal to protect coastal ecosystems.
• MISHTI Program (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes):
  • Launched in 2023, this program focuses on mangrove restoration and reforestation.
  • Covers approximately 540 km² across 9 coastal states and 4 UTs.
  • ₹12.55 crores allocated for restoring 3,046 hectares of mangroves in Gujarat, West Bengal, Kerala, and Puducherry in FY 2024–25.

Regulatory Measures For Climate Resilience

India has introduced regulatory frameworks and innovative practices to enhance climate resilience and environmental sustainability.

Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notifications:

• Issued in 2011 and 2019 under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, Indian Forest Act, 1927, and Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
• Aim to protect critical ecosystems like mangroves and coral reefs.
• The 2019 notification emphasizes managing mangroves, coral reefs, and other vital ecosystems.

Innovative Green Cover Enhancement:

• The Miyawaki technique was used for tree planting during Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj.
• Dense forests were created at multiple sites to ensure clean air and a healthy environment for millions of devotees.
• This approach integrates spiritual practices with environmental responsibility to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability.

Conclusion

India’s BUR-4 highlights its progress in renewable energy, emissions reduction, and building climate resilience. It also sheds light on challenges such as financing, technology access, and capacity building. The report reinforces India’s global leadership in climate action and its commitment to reaching net-zero emissions by 2070.