Q18. Write a review on India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement (2015) and mention how these have been further strengthened in COP26 (2021). In this direction, how has the first Nationally Determined Contribution intended by India been updated in 2022?
Possible Introductions
Definitional framing:
The Paris Agreement (2015), adopted under UNFCCC, seeks to limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C. India, as the third-largest emitter but with per capita emissions below the global average, has taken ambitious NDCs balancing growth with sustainability.
Contextual framing (India’s role):
India, home to 1/6th of humanity, is central to global climate action. Recently India reached a major milestone in its energy transition by achieving the NDC goal of 50% of its installed electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources; five years ahead of the committed timeline of 2030, showcasing impressive leadership in the fight against climate change.
Directive Analysis
“Review” → critical appraisal of India’s progress since Paris 2015.
“Strengthened in COP26 (2021)” → examine Glasgow announcements (Panchamrit).
“Updated in 2022” → highlight revised NDC targets and institutional mechanisms like CCTS, Article 6 Authority.
Body of the Answer
1. India’s Commitments under Paris Agreement (2015)
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Emission intensity: Reduce GDP emission intensity by 33–35% from 2005 levels by 2030.
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Non-fossil capacity: 40% share in installed capacity by 2030.
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Carbon sink: Additional 2.5–3.0 billion tonnes CO₂ equivalent through forests/trees.
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Progress (BUR-4, 2024): Emission intensity down 36% (2005–2020), well ahead of 2030 target; Non-fossil capacity reached 47.1% (2024) vs 50% target (2030); Additional sink of 2.29 Bt already achieved against 2.5–3.0 Bt goal.
2. Enhancements at COP26 (Glasgow, 2021) – Panchamrit
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Reach 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
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50% energy requirements from renewables by 2030.
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Reduce total projected emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030.
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Reduce carbon intensity of economy by 45% by 2030.
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Achieve Net Zero by 2070.
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3. Updated NDCs (2022 submission to UNFCCC)
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Incorporated COP26 commitments into formal NDC.
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45% emission intensity reduction (from 2005 levels by 2030).
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50% cumulative installed electric capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030.
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Continued commitment to forests as carbon sinks.
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4. Policy & Institutional Measures Post-2022
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Energy Conservation Act Amendment (2022): Enabled Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS, 2023).
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Sectoral coverage: Nine energy-intensive sectors (steel, cement, fertiliser, textiles, etc.) under compliance; ten sectors under offset (energy, agriculture, CCUS, etc.).
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National Designated Authority for Article 6 (2022): Facilitates India’s participation in global carbon markets.
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Mission LiFE: Adopted at UNEA-6 (2024) as a global sustainable lifestyle framework.
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Regional cooperation: Green energy trade with Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh (10,000 MW power import from Nepal over 10 years).
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X-Factors
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India is one of the few G20 nations on track to meet its Paris commitments.
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Climate actions framed in the context of climate justice and CBDR (Common But Differentiated Responsibilities).
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India links NDCs to energy security and green growth, avoiding trade-offs between development and decarbonisation.
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Possible Conclusions
Future-oriented:
India’s climate journey illustrates a developmental model where green growth is seen not as a cost but as an opportunity for resilience and innovation.
Policy-oriented:
Scaling climate finance, technology transfer, and carbon markets will be key for India to stay on track toward Net Zero 2070.
Philosophical:
By combining Mission LiFE with technological measures, India shows that sustainability is not just about governments but about changing lifestyles and values.
