In order to meet its target of net zero by 2070, India has implemented a comprehensive energy portfolio that prioritises renewable sources. PM Modi pledged at COP26 to increase the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) of achieving 450-gigawatt non-fossil energy capacity to 500 gigawatts.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the country’s commitment to reach 50% of its energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030.
To meet these goals, India is making use of a variety of clean energy sources such as natural gas, biofuels, and ethanol blending. In addition, the country is investing in advanced technologies like solar energy storage systems and smart grids to further reduce emissions. The combination of these measures will ensure that India is well on its way to achieving its goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2070.
Why Should India Aim For Net Zero?
It’s important to remember that India is the most vulnerable country in the world to climate change. It will be essential for India to reach its emissions reduction targets in order to safeguard its citizens from the devastating effects of climate change.
The country must continue making strides towards a cleaner and more sustainable future, and remain committed to transitioning away from fossil fuels. Only then can India make sure that its citizens are able to live in a healthier environment, and achieve a better quality of life.
- According to the World Resources Institute, India emitted approximately 3.3 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2018, making it the third largest emitter of carbon dioxide (CO2) after China and the US.
- If India does not change anything, its greenhouse emissions will increase each year. This means that by 2030, it could be 4 billion tonnes and by 2050, it could be 7 billion tonnes.
- India was the lowest ranking country on the 2022 Environment Performance Index. This list ranks 180 countries based on their performance in different areas like climate change, health, and plants and animals.
“With markedly poor air quality and quickly rising greenhouse gas emissions, India, for the first time, comes in at the very bottom of country rankings,” the EPI statement said.
The problem with climate change is not just what we are emitting into the atmosphere. India has 1/6th of the world’s population, and if things stay the same, by 2050 one out of every four people affected by climate change will be from India. This means that India needs to start taking committed action right away.
Challenges To India’s Net Zero Goal
India’s goal to reach net zero emissions by 2070 is an ambitious one that requires reducing net carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030. However, there are several challenges that the country needs to overcome in order to achieve this goal.
- Firstly, switching from fossil fuels such as coal is a major challenge, as it still accounts for around 55% of the country’s energy needs. This is complicated by the fact that India already suffers from major power outages, making it difficult to move away from fossil fuels.
- Secondly, green funding has been scarce, with Climate Policy Initiative reporting that tracked green finance in 2019-2020 was only Rs 3,09,000 crore per annum, less than a fourth of India’s needs. Even global aid in the form of climate finance has been minuscule so far.
- Thirdly, the new clean energy path that is adopted must be both green and economical; it cannot hinder the economic development of developing countries like India or allow the poor to lose their right to development. This limits the available options for India in achieving its net zero goal.
India’s Net Zero Emission: Progress So Far
India’s progress towards net zero emissions is impressive, with a number of initiatives that have already been announced or are set to be implemented in the near future.
- The National Capital Region (NCR) has banned the use of coal as a fuel from January 1, 2023, while the Indian Railways has committed to be net zero by 2030, leading to a reduction of emissions by an estimated 60 million tonnes annually.
- The Government has also launched the National Hydrogen Mission which aims to make India a green hydrogen hub and produce five million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030 and reduce 830 million tonnes of CO2 emitted annually when this gas is produced using fossil fuels around the world.
- Additionally, India’s LED bulb campaign is estimated to reduce emissions by 40 million tonnes each year.
Ninety Indian airports are also aiming for carbon neutrality by 2024, and several major Indian companies have set their own targets to become carbon-neutral by 2050. - With all these initiatives, India is well on its way to achieving net zero emissions by 2035. Despite this progress, the road to a fully net zero emission future is long and complex. Every aspect of Indian society – from public transport to homes – will have to be re-examined and reimagined in order to truly reach carbon neutrality.
The Way Forward For India
- India can reach their emissions goals faster if they use electricity more often and switch to green energy sources.
India needs to use more energy that does not come from burning coal. - India needs to expedite the implementation of new mobility options, improved public transportation, and the production of industrial green hydrogen.
- It is very important to have a good plan that everyone follows. India needs to set goals and rules for factories that make pollution.