Context:
India is preparing to submit its next round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for the 2035 horizon under the Paris Agreement. Experts emphasise the need for a clear, economy-wide transition plan to meet long-term net-zero goals while sustaining growth.
About NDCs
- Definition: Country-specific climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, updated every five years (Article 4).
- Scope: Emissions reduction, renewable energy deployment, adaptation, climate finance, and technology deployment.
India’s Current NDC Targets
| Target | Details |
|---|---|
| Emissions Intensity Reduction | Reduce CO₂ emissions per unit of GDP by 45% (2005–2030). |
| Non-Fossil Power Capacity | Achieve 50% of total installed capacity from non-fossil sources (solar, wind, hydro, nuclear, biomass) by 2030. |
| Carbon Sink Expansion | Add 2.5–3 Bt CO₂ through afforestation and agroforestry by 2030. |
| LIFE Movement | Promote low-carbon lifestyles and resource-efficient habits. |
| Adaptation in Vulnerable Sectors | Scale up climate-resilient investments in agriculture, water, coastal systems, Himalayan ecology, health, and disaster management. |
| Climate Finance & Technology | Mobilise domestic and international funds to expand renewables, adaptation, and indigenous climate technologies. |
Key Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Rising Absolute Emissions | GDP growth offsets efficiency gains; peak emissions expected only ~2035. |
| Coal Dependence | Coal remains crucial for grid stability; rapid phase-down difficult without storage/CCS. |
| Investment Needs | ~$62 billion annually required through 2035 for renewables, storage, and grids. |
| Technology Gaps | Lack of commercially scalable long-duration storage, green hydrogen, CCS. |
| Climate Finance Shortfall | Global funding insufficient; India must self-finance major transition costs. |
| Just Transition Pressures | Coal-heavy states need worker retraining, economic diversification, and welfare support. |
| Adaptation Lag | Rising heatwaves, urban pollution, and extreme weather outpace adaptation efforts. |
