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. In this article, we will discuss India’s Policy Structure Relevant To GHG Mitigation which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Efforts to Reduce Emissions

• Adoption of the Paris Agreement at the COP21 in Paris, in which all countries agreed to work together to keep global temperature rise well below 2 degrees Celsius.
• Increasing the capacity of carbon sinks, for example, through reforestation, to remove more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
• Using low-carbon energy sources such as renewable and nuclear energy.
• Improving energy efficiency by, for example, improving building insulation.
• Geoengineering is another method for mitigating climate change.
• Reducing the sources of the gases (for example, the use of fossil fuels for electricity, heat, or transportation) or improving the sinks that accumulate and store these gases (such as the oceans, forests and soil).

Solutions Based on Nature to Reduce Emissions

• 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 programmes 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.
• However, the budget for the Green India Mission afforestation programme has been reduced from Rs 246 crore in 2020-21 to Rs 235 crore in 2021-22.
• The budgets for Project Tiger and Project Elephant were also reduced.

Integrated Energy Policy

• India has a detailed policy, regulatory, and legislative structure in place that is strongly related to GHG mitigation - the Integrated Energy Policy was adopted in 2006.
• Some of its key provisions include:
  • Promotion of energy efficiency in all sectors.
  • Emphasis on mass transportation.
  • Emphasis on renewables, including biofuel plantations.
• Accelerated development of nuclear and hydropower for clean energy.
• R&D was concentrated on several clean energy-related technologies.

The Rural Electrification Policy, 2006

• It promotes renewable energy technologies in areas where grid connectivity is not feasible or cost-effective.
• The New and Renewable Energy Policy of 2005 encourages the use of sustainable, renewable energy sources, as well as the rapid deployment of renewables through indigenous design, development, and manufacturing.
• The National Environment Policy of 2006, as well as the Notification on Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) of 2006, reformed India's environmental assessment regime.
• A number of economic activities are required to prepare environmental impact assessments and environmental management plans, which are evaluated by regulatory authorities prior to the start of construction.
• The EIA provisions strongly encourage environmental sustainability.

Other Provisions

• It is concerned with reforming energy markets in order to ensure that energy markets are competitive and that energy prices reflect true resource costs. These include the Electricity Act of 2005, the Tariff Policy of 2003, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act of 2006, and others.
• The provisions are intended to:
  • Reduce entry barriers and increase competition in the exploration, extraction, conversion, transmission, and distribution of primary and secondary energy.
  • Achieve price reform through full competition at the point of sale.
  • Advocate for tax reform in order to promote optimal fuel choices.
  • Expand and diversify energy options, sources, and infrastructure.
  • Provide feed-in tariffs for renewables (solar, wind, and biomass cogeneration).
  • Strengthen and, where appropriate, introduce independent regulation.

Conclusion

In the future, if India is to meet its mitigation targets, it will need to prioritise strategies that strengthen the implementation of existing policies. These strategies include ensuring adequate financing and institutional capacity, as well as improving vertical coordination among national, state, and local governments and horizontal coordination among concerned line ministries and departments.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Which of the following is a major objective of India's National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)?

A) To promote fossil fuel energy sources
B) To enhance solar energy capacity
C) To restrict agricultural activities
D) To reduce foreign trade

2. What is India's target for reducing GHG emissions intensity by 2030?

A) 20-25%
B) 33-35%
C) 45-50%
D) 50-60%

3. Which mission of the NAPCC focuses on improving energy efficiency?

A) National Solar Mission
B) National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture
C) National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency
D) National Water Mission

4. Which renewable energy source is emphasized the most in India's GHG mitigation strategy?

A) Wind power
B) Solar power
C) Biomass
D) Hydropower

5. What role does sustainable agriculture play in India's GHG mitigation efforts?

A) Increasing pesticide use
B) Reducing forest cover
C) Enhancing carbon sequestration in soil
D) Expanding industrial agriculture

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Evaluate India's role in global GHG mitigation efforts, with a focus on the policies and initiatives under its National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).

Answer: India plays a crucial role in global GHG mitigation efforts through its commitment to the Paris Agreement and the adoption of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). The NAPCC outlines eight national missions that target key areas such as solar energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable agriculture. India's efforts are aligned with global climate goals, focusing on transitioning to renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and adopting sustainable practices in agriculture and water use. India’s target of reducing GHG emissions intensity by 33-35% by 2030 and increasing renewable energy capacity are significant contributions to the global climate agenda. However, balancing development needs with climate action remains a challenge for India, given its growing population and economic aspirations.

Q2: Discuss the key challenges and opportunities for India in achieving its GHG mitigation targets under the Paris Agreement.

Answer: India faces several challenges in achieving its GHG mitigation targets, including the heavy reliance on coal for energy generation, the need for technological advancements in renewable energy, and the socio-economic pressures of poverty alleviation and industrial growth. Despite these challenges, India has numerous opportunities to mitigate GHG emissions. The country's abundant renewable energy potential, particularly in solar and wind power, offers significant opportunities for emission reductions. Additionally, initiatives like the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) and the promotion of energy-efficient appliances provide a pathway for reducing carbon footprints. India's focus on sustainable agriculture and improving forest cover also presents significant co-benefits for both climate mitigation and adaptation.

Q3: Analyze the role of renewable energy in India's climate policy and its contribution to reducing GHG emissions.

Answer: Renewable energy plays a pivotal role in India’s climate policy, as it is central to the country’s strategy for reducing GHG emissions. India has committed to increasing its renewable energy capacity, particularly solar and wind, as part of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. The government aims to install 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022, which has now been revised upwards to 500 GW by 2030. Solar energy, in particular, holds immense potential in India due to its geographical advantages. The transition to renewable energy is crucial for reducing dependence on fossil fuels and addressing the energy demand of India's growing population. By promoting energy efficiency and reducing the carbon intensity of electricity generation, renewable energy plays a crucial role in India's long-term GHG mitigation strategy.

Previous Year Questions on GHG Mitigation and Climate Policy

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2019:

Question: Which of the following is NOT a part of India's National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)?

A) National Solar Mission
B) National Water Mission
C) National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture
D) National Nuclear Mission

Answer: (D)

Explanation: The National Nuclear Mission is not a part of India's NAPCC. The NAPCC includes missions like the National Solar Mission, National Water Mission, and National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture to tackle climate change through various sectoral strategies.

2. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020:

Question: Which of the following is a key objective of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)?

A) Promotion of fossil fuels
B) Energy efficiency enhancement
C) Expansion of coal-based power generation
D) Increased use of chemical fertilizers

Answer: (B)

Explanation: One of the primary objectives of NAPCC is to enhance energy efficiency in various sectors, thus reducing GHG emissions and contributing to India's climate change mitigation efforts.