India has questioned the rush at the United Nations (UN) to declare climate change an international security issue, potentially granting the Security Council the authority to act on it, and has highlighted the pitfalls in the approach. According to India, a "simple Council decision" to take over enforcement of climate change action would jeopardise the Paris Agreement and multilateral efforts to find solutions. Climate change is a global threat to security in the twenty-first century. We must act now to reduce future threats to the planet we share and the peace we seek. In this article, we will discuss India and Climate Change which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Impact of Climate Change

Higher Temperatures

• As greenhouse gas concentrations rise, so does global surface temperature. The last decade, 2011-2020, has been the warmest on record.
• Since the 1980s, each decade has been warmer than the previous one. Almost all land areas are experiencing more hot days and heat waves.

Severe Storms

• As temperatures rise, more moisture evaporates, exacerbating extreme rainfall and flooding and resulting in more destructive storms.
• The warming ocean also affects the frequency and size of tropical storms. Cyclones, hurricanes, and typhoons feed on warm water at the ocean's surface.

Increased Drought

• Global warming exacerbates water scarcity in already water-stressed areas, increasing the risk of agricultural droughts affecting crops and ecological droughts increasing ecosystem vulnerability.
• Droughts can also cause destructive sand and dust storms, which can transport billions of tonnes of sand across continents.

Oceans are Warming and Rising

• The ocean absorbs the majority of the heat emitted by global warming. Over the last two decades, the rate of ocean warming has increased dramatically at all depths.
• Because water expands as it warms, the volume of the ocean increases as it warms.
• Melting ice sheets raise sea levels, endangering coastal and island communities.

Changes in the Landscape

• Landscape change has contributed to the ongoing shift in land mass positioning, as well as the movement of flora and fauna towards the polar regions in search of a cooler environment to combat rising temperatures.

Rise in the Level of Sea

• Glacier melting is caused by global warming, which is caused by an increase in the temperature of the earth's atmosphere.
• All of this water combines with the ocean, causing a significant rise in sea level and increasing the risk of natural disasters such as floods in coastal areas.

Ocean Acidification

• Increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere cause increased absorption of carbon dioxide by the ocean, resulting in ocean acidification.
• As a result, aquatic species like planktons, mollusks, and corals lose their habitat.

Imbalance in the Ecosystem

• Changes in weather patterns disrupt the local environment, destroying suitable ecological conditions and the survival of indigenous species.
• This disrupts the ecosystem and devastates the natural environment.

Natural Disasters

• Draughts are occurring in various parts of the world as a result of a lack of adequate rainfall and a high intensity of solar radiation in that geographical area, depleting local species.
• Another effect of climate change is the rise in sea level, which causes flooding, hurricanes, and storms.

Species Extinction

• Climate change endangers the survival of species on land and in the sea. As the temperature rises, so do the risks.
• Climate change is exacerbating the loss of species, which is 1,000 times greater than at any other time in recorded human history.
• One million species are on the verge of extinction in the coming decades.

Not Enough Food

• Climate change and an increase in extreme weather events are among the causes of a global increase in hunger and malnutrition.
• Fisheries, crops, and livestock may be destroyed or depleted. Marine resources that feed billions of people are under threat as the ocean acidifies.

More Health Risks

• Climate change is causing health problems through air pollution, disease, extreme weather events, forced displacement, mental health strains, and increased hunger and poor nutrition in places where people cannot grow or find enough food.

Poverty and Displacement

• Climate change exacerbates the factors that cause and sustain poverty. Floods may wash away urban slums, destroying homes and livelihoods.
• Weather-related events displaced an estimated 23.1 million people per year on average over the last decade (2010-2019), making many more vulnerable to poverty.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Impact of Climate Change

How is Climate Change Affecting India?

• South Asia is one of the major regions that will be extremely vulnerable to climate change in the future.
• Because of its diverse terrain and rapid use of natural resources as a result of the current trend of precipitous urbanisation, industrialisation, and economic growth, India will be particularly vulnerable to climate change.
• India is currently facing environmental and socioeconomic challenges in its efforts to protect its rapidly depleting natural resources.
• Environmental pollution is deteriorating water and air quality on a daily basis. The country's coastal ecosystems, biodiversity, and agricultural productivity are particularly vulnerable to climate change.
• The increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters are having a negative impact on the already struggling Indian economy.
• The negative consequences of such disasters include poverty, disease vulnerability, and loss of income and livelihood.
• According to the World Bank, a 2°C increase in global average temperature over the next few decades will only make the Indian monsoon more unpredictable.
• The changing rain patterns in India are expected to flood many areas while leaving others dry.
• More than 60% of India's agriculture is rain-dependent, and the majority of the population relies on agriculture for survival. As a result, India is more vulnerable to climate change.
• Water levels in the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra river basins are expected to fall by the 2050s if temperatures rise by 2-2.5°C. This could jeopardise the food security of approximately 63 million people.
• The rate of poverty reduction will also be slowed as the temperature of the atmosphere rises.
• The poor will be more vulnerable to climate change because many of them rely on rain-fed agriculture.
• A 2°C increase by the 2040s will have an impact on crop production, reducing crop output by 12% and necessitating more imports to meet domestic demand.
• Furthermore, decreasing food availability can lead to serious health problems, particularly among women and children.
• The melting glaciers and loss of snow can endanger India's reliable water resources.
• Snow and glacial meltwater are the primary sources of water for major rivers such as the Ganges, Indus, and Brahmaputra. As a result, they are vulnerable to global warming.
• Climate change increases the risk of flooding in low-lying areas and endangers agriculture.

India’s Position on Climate Change

• After China and the United States, India is the world's third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases (GHGs).
• The country has pledged a 33-35% reduction in the "emissions intensity" of its economy by 2030, compared to 2005 levels.
• Increase tree cover to create an additional cumulative carbon sink of 2,500-3,000 Mt CO2 by 2030.
• India also plans to install 5GW of offshore wind by 2022 and 30GW by 2030.
• According to the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI), the country could incorporate 390GW of low-cost wind and solar generation into its grid by 2030.
• According to India's climate pledge, roughly 70% of its population is dependent on traditional biomass energy, which is inefficient and causes high levels of indoor air pollution. India intends to generate 10GW of such bioenergy by 2022.
• India currently has around 4.5GW of small hydro plants (less than 25MW), with a 5GW target for 2022.
• India's primary focus is on "adaptation," with a particular emphasis on "mitigation."
• India has already unveiled a comprehensive National Action Plan on Climate Change, the details of which are available to the public.
• As a global public good, India advocates collaborative research in future low-carbon technology and access to intellectual property rights (IPRs).

Observed Climate and Weather Changes in India

Surface Temperature

• Surface air temperatures have increased by 0.4°C at the national level over the last century.
• Warming has been observed along the west coast of India, as well as in central India, the interior peninsula, and north-eastern India.

Rainfall

• While there is no discernible trend in observed monsoon rainfall across India, regional monsoon variations have been documented.
• A trend of increasing monsoon seasonal rainfall has been observed along the west coast, northern Andhra Pradesh, and north-western India (+10% to +12% of the normal over the last 100 years).
• A trend of decreasing monsoon seasonal rainfall has been observed over eastern Madhya Pradesh, north-eastern India, and some parts of Gujarat and Kerala (-6% to -8% of the normal over the last 100 years).

Extreme Weather Events

• Trends are observed in multi-decadal periods of more frequent droughts followed by less severe droughts.
• The frequency of severe storms along the coast has been increasing at a rate of 0.011 events per year.
• While West Bengal and Gujarat have seen increases, Orissa has seen a decrease.

Rise in Sea Level

• The records of coastal tide gauges in the north Indian Ocean for more than 40 years show that sea level rise was between 1.06-1.75 mm per year.
• These rates are consistent with IPCC estimates of 1-2 mm per year global sea level rise.

Impact on Himalayan Glaciers

• The Himalayas have one of the most extensive snow and ice resources, and its glaciers supply water to perennial rivers such as the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra.
• Glacial melt may have an impact on their long-term lean-season flows, which could have a negative impact on the economy in terms of water availability and hydropower generation.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Observed Climate and Weather Changes in India

Current Actions for Adaptation and Mitigation

• In the context of climate change, adaptation refers to actions taken to mitigate the negative effects of climate change, such as relocating communities living near the seashore to cope with rising sea levels, or switching to crops that can withstand higher temperatures.
• Mitigation includes measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change in the first place, such as switching to renewable energy sources such as solar or wind energy, or nuclear energy instead of burning fossil fuel in thermal power plants.
• Current Indian government expenditure on adaptation to climate variability exceeds 2.6% of GDP, with agriculture, water resources, health and sanitation, forests, coastal-zone infrastructure, and extreme weather events being specific areas of concern.

Agriculture

• Two risk-financing programmes help with climate adaptation. The Crop Insurance Scheme helps farmers insure against climate risks, and the Credit Support Mechanism makes it easier to extend credit to farmers, particularly for crop failure due to climate variability.

Crop Improvement

• The current programmes address measures such as arid-land crop development and pest management, as well as capacity building for extension workers and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to support better vulnerability-reduction practises.

Drought Proofing

• The current programmes aim to reduce the negative effects of drought on crop and livestock production, as well as land, water, and human resource productivity, in order to eventually lead to drought proofing of affected areas.
• They also seek to promote overall economic development and improve the socioeconomic conditions of the program's resource-poor and disadvantaged populations.

Forestry

• The Forest Conservation Act of 1980, which aimed to stop the clearing and degradation of forests through strict, centralised control of the rights to use forest land and mandatory requirements of compensatory afforestation in the case of any diversion of forest land for any non-forestry purpose, accelerated the afforestation process.

Water

• The National Water Policy emphasises that non-traditional methods of water utilisation, such as interbasin transfers, artificial recharge of groundwater, and desalination of brackish or sea water, as well as traditional water conservation practises such as rainwater harvesting, including roof-top rainwater harvesting, should be used to increase utilisable water resources.

Coastal Regions

• In coastal areas, restrictions have been imposed between 200m and 500m from the HTL (high tide line), with special restrictions imposed up to 200m to protect sensitive coastal ecosystems and prevent their exploitation.
• Construction of coastal protection infrastructure and cyclone shelters, as well as plantation of coastal forests and mangroves, are some specific measures taken in this regard.

Health

• The primary goal of current health programmes is to monitor and control vector-borne diseases such as Malaria, Kala-azar, Japanese Encephalitis, Filaria, and Dengue.
• Programs also provide for emergency medical relief in the event of natural disasters, as well as training and development of human resources for these tasks.

Disaster Management

• The National Disaster Management programme administers disaster relief operations and provides grants to victims of weather-related disasters.
• It also supports proactive disaster prevention programmes, such as information dissemination and disaster-management staff training.

India's National Action Plan on Climate Change

• The National Action Plan on Climate Change was developed by the Union Government in order to reduce the effects of climate change and prepare for it.
• It aims to increase public understanding of the threat posed by climate change and the efforts being taken to combat it among community members, members of the public, representatives of various government agencies, scientists, and business leaders.
• The foundation of the National action plan is made up of eight "National Missions" each of which represents a multifaceted, long-term, and integrated strategy for attaining important climate change objectives. It includes missions such as:
  • National Solar Mission
  • National Mission For Enhanced Energy Efficiency
  • National Mission On Sustainable Habitat
  • National Water Mission
  • National Mission For Sustaining The Himalayan Ecosystem
  • National Mission For A Green India
  • National Mission For Sustainable Agriculture (Nmsa)
  • National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change (NMSKCC)
  • National Bio-Energy Mission

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link India's National Action Plan On Climate Change

Intended Nationally Determined Contributions

• With the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the INDCs combine the top-down system of a United Nations climate agreement with bottom-up system-in components via which countries present their agreements in the context of their national capabilities, circumstances, and objectives.
• The INDC includes protections that aid in reducing emissions, highlights actions taken to adapt to the effects of climate change, and examines what the nation needs to put such actions into action.
• Before the United Nations Climate Change Conference, an assessment phase is conducted after a country submits its INDC data to evaluate its impact.
• While the UNFCCC's COP 21 was taking place and the Paris Agreement was being signed, the following INDC was submitted:
  • China: China set a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60 to 65 %.
  • United States: Set a target to cut greenhouse gases by 26–28%
  • European Union: Attempts to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40%
  • India: Provided a target of 33-35 % for the GDP unit.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Intended Nationally Determined Contributions

Indian Network on Climate Change Assessment

• The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) launched the Indian Network on Climate Change Assessment (INCCA) in October 2009 in an effort to promote domestic climate change research and build on the country's climate change expertise.
• Its goal is to promote more science-based policymaking based on measurements, monitoring, and modeling.
• The INCCA has been conceptualized as a Network-based Scientific Programme designed to address and assess the drivers and implications of climate change through scientific research, climate change assessments on various aspects of climate change, associated vulnerabilities, and adaptation, decision support systems, and capacity building for climate change related risks and opportunities.
• The INCCA will conduct research on the effects of climate change in various Indian regions and sectors and will make recommendations for appropriate adaptation and mitigation measures.
• Its objective is to establish an independent body of Indian scientists who can "prepare scientific reports at the domestic level about the impact of climate change on various sectors, which can provide a true picture and influence the global debate."

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Indian Network on Climate Change Assessment

National Communication (NATCOM)

• In order to carry out the provisions of the Convention, India's Initial National Communication (NATCOM) to the UNFCCC was launched in 2002, with funding provided by the Global Environment Facility through the United Nations Development Programme, New Delhi.
• The National Communication process envisions comprehensive scientific and technical exercises for preparing inventories of greenhouse gases of anthropogenic origin, reducing uncertainties in these estimates, and assessing vulnerability and adapting to climate change, among other related information of India's initiatives that address the Convention's objectives.
• A broad participatory approach involving research institutions, technical institutions, universities, government departments, and non-governmental and private organisations has been adopted to prepare the National Communication, as a result of India's vast regional diversity and sector complexities.
• The project is being implemented and executed by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF).

India’s Policy Structure Relevant To GHG Mitigation

• India has set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and 2070, which experts say will require trillions of dollars, access to technology, and a restructuring of some sectors of the economy.
• Despite our low per capita carbon emissions, India is the world's third-largest carbon emitter.
• Achieving carbon neutrality, also known as net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, by 2070—that is, balancing carbon emissions and carbon absorption from the atmosphere—is critical for India, which has seen an increase in extreme weather events.
• Over the last five years, India has been one of the five countries with the most exposure to extreme heat.
• As part of its 2015 Paris climate commitment, India aimed to reduce total greenhouse gas emissions by 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes by 2030.
• Forests can play an important role in carbon sequestration if done while protecting forest dwellers' rights.
• The MoEFCC listed the implementation of its programs such as the National Afforestation Programme, Development of Wildlife Habitat, Project Elephant, Project Tiger, and Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme towards meeting this climate pledge and for forest conservation.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link India’s Policy Structure Relevant To GHG Mitigation

Introduction of Labelling Programme For Appliances

• In 2006, an energy labeling program for appliances was launched, and comparative star-based labeling for fluorescent tube lights, air conditioners, refrigerators, and distribution transformers was introduced.
• The labels provide information about an appliance's energy consumption, allowing consumers to make more informed decisions.
• The Bureau of Energy Efficiency has made it mandatory for refrigerators to display an energy efficiency label, and it is expected that air conditioners will follow suit.
• The electrical appliance manufacturers' standards and labeling program is expected to result in significant annual electricity savings.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Introduction of Labelling Programme For Appliances

Energy Conservation Building Code

• The Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), was devised by the Indian government for brand-new commercial buildings.
• For commercial buildings with a connected load of 100kW or contract demand of 120 KVA and above, ECBC establishes minimal energy criteria.
• The EC Act of 2001 gives the Central Government authority, but the state governments are free to adapt the code to meet unique local or regional requirements and to notify the Central Government of any changes.
• With extensive participation from numerous other stakeholders, including working architects, consultants, educational institutions, and other governmental agencies, the ECBC was created in accordance with Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) criteria.
• ECBC's aim is to provide minimum standards for energy-efficient building design, construction, and system installation without compromising comfort levels.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Energy Conservation Building Code

Energy Audits of Large Industrial Consumers

• Energy audits became mandatory in large energy-consuming units in nine industrial sectors in March 2007.
• These units, known as "designated consumers," are also required to employ "certified energy managers" and to report annual data on energy consumption and energy conservation.

Mass Transport

• The National Urban Transport Policy prioritises extensive public transportation and non-motorized modes over personal vehicles.
• The expansion of the Metro Rail Transportation System in Delhi and other cities (Chennai, Bangalore, Jaipur, etc.) and other mass transit systems, such as the Metro Bus project in Bangalore, are steps toward its implementation.
• The Maharashtra state government recently announced that it will levy a congestion tax to discourage the use of private cars in cities where it has created "sufficient public transportation capacity."

Clean Air Initiatives

• Transport vehicle emissions are a major source of air pollution in cities.
• To reduce pollution, the following steps have been taken:
  • the introduction of compressed natural gas (CNG) in Delhi and other cities;
  • the retirement of old, polluting vehicles; and
  • the strengthening of mass transportation.
• Subsidies for the purchase and use of electric vehicles are provided by some state governments.
• The installation of electrostatic precipitators is required for thermal power plants.
• Polluting industrial units in many cities have either been closed or relocated away from residential areas.

Promotion of Energy Saving Devices

• The Bureau of Energy Efficiency has launched "The Bachat Lamp Yojana," a programme in which households can exchange incandescent lamps for CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) using clean development mechanism (CDM) credits to equate purchase price.
• Some states have made the installation of solar water heaters in hospitals, hotels, and large government and commercial buildings mandatory.
• Subsidies are available for the installation of solar water heaters in residential buildings.

Promotion of Biofuels

• The Biodiesel Purchase Policy requires the petroleum industry to buy biodiesel.
• A mandate on Ethanol Blending of Gasoline requires 5% ethanol blending with gasoline beginning January 1, 2003, in 9 states and 4 union territories.

Indian Solar Loan Programme

• In April 2003, the United Nations Environment Programme ("UNEP") launched a three-year credit facility in Southern India to assist rural households in financing the purchase of Solar Home Systems.
• Canara Bank and Syndicate Bank, along with their eight associate Regional Rural Banks, collaborated with UNEP to establish and run a Loan Programme through their branch offices across Karnataka State and a portion of neighbouring Kerala State.
• In addition to financial assistance in the form of interest rate subsidies for borrowers, UNEP assists with technical issues, vendor qualification, and other activities to develop institutional capacity for this type of finance.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Indian Solar Loan Programme

National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA)

• National Innovation on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) was launched by the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) in February 2011.
• By conducting strategic research and demonstrating new technologies, the initiative seeks to increase the resilience of Indian agriculture to climate change and climate vulnerability.
• Crops, cattle, fisheries, and natural resource management are all areas covered in the research on adaptation and mitigation.

The objectives of the National Innovation on Climate Resilient Agricultural (NICRA) are as follows

• It increases the capacity of the scientists and the other stakeholders in researching agriculture and its different applications.
• It educates and trains the farmers on the application of different technological advancements in dealing with climatic risks.
• Helps in making the farmers self-reliant.
• Enhances the reliance on Indian Agriculture that not only covers crops but livestock and fisheries to various climatic changes utilizing improved technologies.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA)

BSE-GREENEX

• The Bombay Stock Exchange is a benchmark index and the first of its kind that evaluates the carbon performance of stocks using only quantitative performance-based criteria.
• The Bombay Stock Exchange's 25th dynamic index is the BSE-GREENEX.
• The BSE-GREENEX is a fundamental step in developing an open, market-based system for encouraging energy-efficient practices among India's more significant corporate entities.
• The BSE-GREENEX employs sector-specific proprietary algorithms developed in cutting-edge research facilities to assess the energy efficiency performance of various companies based on publicly available energy and financial data, in contrast to other global indices that measure environmental performance through various scaled quantitative criteria.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link BSE-GREENEX

Fame-India Programme

• Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid) and Electric Vehicles (FAME India) scheme launched in April 2015 by the Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises.
• The scheme will help to promote the use of electric and hybrid vehicles by providing buyers with a 30% subsidy at first.
• The gradual replacement of fossil fuel-powered vehicles with those based on cutting-edge technology will result in a net savings of Rs 14,000 crore.
• The scheme is proposed to be implemented over six years, until 2020, with sales of electric and hybrid vehicles reaching 60-70 lakh units per year.

Long Term Ecological Observatories (LTEO)

• The Long-Term Ecological Observatories (LTEO) Program was introduced by the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MOEFCC).
• This multi-institutional, interdisciplinary effort will help policymakers at the national and regional levels better understand how climate change will affect India's varied ecosystems and taxa.
• The initiative covers a number of areas, including soil, forests, grasslands, invertebrates, fish, herpetofauna, birds, animal movement, and marine ecosystems.
• Through a network of scientific institutions, the LTEO Programme aims to understand the biophysical and anthropogenic drivers of ecosystem change in the selected biomes, as well as their effects on social-ecological responses.
• Among the activities are experimental work to assess changes in structure and function in natural ecosystems, identification of patterns and drivers of change in natural ecosystems through monitoring populations of fresh water fish, birds, mammals, herbivores and carnivores, animal movements, soil processes in forests and grasslands, biophysical climatic variables, and so on.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Long Term Ecological Observatories (LTEO)

The National Adaptation Fund For Climate Change (NAFCC)

• The National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC) was established in 2015–16 as a Central Sector Scheme.
• NAFCC's primary goal is to encourage practical adaptation initiatives that lessen the harmful effects of climate change.
• NAFCC funds projects relating to adaptation in industries including agriculture, animal husbandry, water, forestry, tourism, etc.
• The national implementing organization is called National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link The National Adaptation Fund For Climate Change (NAFCC)

Conclusion

Climate change is now widely acknowledged, allowing for global collaboration. This is a significant step in the right direction, as climate change is a global issue that cannot be addressed in silos. Climate change damages are a reality that must be considered in all future actions to encourage swift action while developing appropriate mitigation and adaptation strategies and promoting resilience at the local level.

FAQs

Question 1: What are the major factors contributing to climate change in India?

Question 2: How is climate change affecting India’s environment?

Question 3: What are India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement on climate change?

Question 4: What are the major steps taken by India to mitigate climate change?

Question 5: How does India balance its development needs with climate change mitigation?

MCQs

1. Which of the following is the primary source of carbon emissions in India?

A) Industrial emissions

B) Agriculture

C) Transportation

D) All of the above

2. What is the target for India’s renewable energy capacity by 2030 under its National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)?

A) 100 GW

B) 175 GW

C) 500 GW

D) 200 GW

3. Which international initiative has India taken a leading role in promoting clean energy solutions?

A) Paris Agreement

B) Clean Energy Ministerial

C) International Solar Alliance (ISA)

D) Kyoto Protocol

4. Which of the following is NOT part of India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)?

A) National Solar Mission

B) National Mission on Sustainable Habitat

C) National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture

D) National Mission for Electric Vehicles

5. What is India’s target for reducing its carbon intensity by 2030, compared to 2005 levels?

A) 10-15%

B) 20-25%

C) 33-35%

D) 40-45%

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Evaluate the challenges and opportunities faced by India in addressing climate change while ensuring economic growth.

Answer: India faces several challenges in addressing climate change while ensuring economic growth. One of the main challenges is the country’s reliance on fossil fuels, particularly coal, for energy generation, which contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, India’s rapidly growing population and urbanization place enormous pressure on its natural resources, making sustainable development difficult. The need to balance economic growth with environmental protection is another key challenge. However, there are significant opportunities as well. India’s focus on renewable energy, especially solar and wind power, presents an opportunity for clean energy expansion. Moreover, India’s young workforce and increasing focus on green technologies can drive innovation and create jobs in emerging sectors such as renewable energy, electric vehicles, and energy-efficient technologies. International climate finance and technology transfer can provide the necessary support for India to achieve its climate goals while continuing to develop economically.

Q2: What are the implications of India’s commitment to the Paris Agreement for its climate and energy policies?

Answer: India’s commitment to the Paris Agreement significantly shapes its climate and energy policies. Under the agreement, India has pledged to reduce its carbon intensity by 33-35% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels and to increase the share of non-fossil fuel energy sources in its energy mix to 50% by 2030. This commitment has led to the acceleration of renewable energy projects, such as the National Solar Mission and the expansion of wind energy. It also supports India’s push towards electric vehicles and energy efficiency through initiatives like the FAME scheme. Additionally, India’s commitment emphasizes the importance of climate-resilient infrastructure and sustainable urban planning. At the same time, India’s adherence to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR) under the Paris Agreement highlights the need for developed nations to provide financial and technological support to developing countries like India.

Q3: Discuss India’s approach to adapting to the impacts of climate change, particularly in vulnerable sectors like agriculture and water resources.

Answer: India’s approach to adapting to climate change focuses on building resilience in sectors most vulnerable to its impacts, such as agriculture and water resources. In agriculture, India is implementing climate-resilient practices through the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, which promotes drought-resistant crops, water-efficient irrigation techniques, and organic farming. The government is also focusing on improving weather forecasting and providing farmers with access to climate information to make informed decisions. In the water sector, India is investing in water conservation techniques, rainwater harvesting, and improving water-use efficiency through the National Water Mission. Furthermore, India is working towards improving infrastructure in flood-prone areas, promoting watershed management, and enhancing groundwater recharge to safeguard water resources in the face of changing rainfall patterns.

Previous Year Questions on India and Climate Change

1. UPSC 2021

Question: Discuss the key elements of India’s climate change policy and its impact on sustainable development.

Answer: This question required a discussion of India’s climate change policies, such as the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), and their alignment with sustainable development goals. The answer should highlight India’s efforts in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and climate-resilient agriculture, along with challenges like financial and technological constraints.

2. UPSC 2019

Question: Evaluate the role of international climate finance in supporting India’s climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.

Answer: This question focused on how international climate finance can assist India in meeting its climate goals. Candidates were expected to discuss the financial commitments under the Paris Agreement and mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund that can help India transition to a low-carbon economy while addressing the challenges posed by climate change, especially in vulnerable sectors like agriculture and water.