Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Initiatives related to climate change;
Why in the News?
India recently shared a report about its efforts to fight climate change. The report includes details about how much greenhouse gases (GHG) the country produces and the steps it has taken to reduce these emissions as part of its global climate promises.
What is the Biennial Update Report (BUR)?
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What are the BUR-4’s highlights and submissions on emissions inventory?
- Total GHG Emissions: In 2020, India’s total GHG emissions were reported at 2,959 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. After accounting for land use, land-use change, and forestry (LULUCF), net emissions were 2,437 million tonnes, reflecting a 7.93% decrease from 2019 levels.
- Reduction in Emissions Intensity: The report indicates that from 2005 to 2020, India’s emissions intensity of GDP decreased by 36%. This metric measures GHG emissions per unit of economic output, highlighting improved energy efficiency and a shift towards renewable energy sources.
- Sectoral Contributions: The energy sector was the largest contributor to emissions, accounting for 75.66%, with electricity production alone responsible for 39% of total emissions. Agriculture contributed 13.72%, while industrial processes and waste management accounted for 8.06% and 2.56%, respectively.
What does BUR-4 say about the status of India’s climate commitments?
- The BUR-4 outlines India’s commitment to its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, aiming for a 45% reduction in GDP emission intensity by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.
- The report notes that between 2005 and 2021, India created an additional carbon sink of approximately 2.29 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through enhanced forest and tree cover, contributing significantly to its climate goals.
What has the report said about India’s tech needs for climate-conscious growth? (Way forward)
- Advanced Technologies for Low-Carbon Growth: The report emphasizes the necessity for adopting cutting-edge technologies across various sectors, including solar energy, wind energy, bioenergy, electric vehicles, and carbon capture and storage.
- Capacity Building: Strengthening institutional frameworks and workforce capabilities is essential for effective implementation of climate policies and programs. This involves training personnel and developing skills necessary to manage and operate advanced technologies.
- Financial and Technological Support: The BUR-4 identifies a significant gap in technology transfer from developed countries, which hampers India’s ability to implement necessary climate solutions. India calls for increased international cooperation to facilitate technology transfer, eliminate intellectual property barriers, and provide financial assistance to support its climate initiatives.
- Integration of Technology in Key Sectors: The report highlights the importance of integrating advanced technologies into critical sectors that contribute to emissions, such as agriculture and energy.
Mains PYQ:
Q ‘Clean energy is the order of the day.’ Describe briefly India’s changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics. (UPSC IAS/2022)
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