Addressing climate change is a pressing global issue, prompting governments and industry leaders to take proactive measures to mitigate its impact. With this new era becoming increasingly evident, achieving carbon neutrality has emerged as a crucial goal for countries worldwide. Carbon neutrality is the state where a country or entity’s net carbon dioxide emissions are balanced by absorbing an equivalent amount of CO2 from the atmosphere or offsetting emissions through various mechanisms.
In India, the government has set an admirable target of attaining carbon neutrality by 2070. This ambitious goal encompasses a detailed and long-term plan that covers multiple sectors and requires collaborative efforts from all stakeholders involved.
Understanding carbon neutrality
Carbon neutrality serves as a powerful tool in combatting global warming and its associated consequences, including extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and ecological disruptions. As recommended by scientific research, by achieving carbon neutrality, nations aim to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The importance of this target lies in safeguarding ecosystems, preserving biodiversity, and protecting human livelihoods from the devastating impacts of climate change.
India’s evolving role
India has made commendable progress in its journey towards carbon neutrality, considering its historical contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. Accounting for a mere 4 percent of emissions from 1870 to 2019, India shouldered a relatively more minor responsibility than other nations. However, with increasing emissions over the years, there is a pressing need for India to actively address the challenges associated with sustainable development while curbing carbon footprints.
The Complexity of India’s Path
According to a report, India’s contribution to global emissions is substantial and it is the world’s third-largest producer of greenhouse gases (GHGs), following China and the United States. Despite being an early participant in the Paris Climate Accord in 2015, India has experienced a rise in per capita CO2 emissions. These emissions have grown from 0.39 metric tons in 1970 to a peak of 1.9 metric tons in 2021.
Even with this, the government has taken efforts to reduce the impact of carbon emissions. India’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) seeks to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030, from 2005 levels. In fact, in 2022, India’s emissions intensity was already 34% lower than in 2005. Although the per capita emissions were lower than the world average it is important to note that a fall in emissions intensity does not necessarily mean a reduction in overall emissions. The fact that India was the third-largest emitter of carbon dioxide by volume in 2020 is a motivator for the government and industry leaders to take greater measures toward a safe future.
Factors driving India’s mission
The Government of India has been actively involved in making sure it takes the right steps in the direction of combating carbon emissions. Some critical areas within this include –
1. Renewable energy transition
India’s commitment to renewable energy plays a pivotal role in pursuing carbon neutrality. Expanding the use of solar, wind, and hydropower sources enables a shift away from fossil fuels, reducing emissions and enhancing energy security. Moreover, improving energy efficiency across sectors adds to the crucial factors for carbon neutrality. Implementing energy-efficient technologies, encouraging conservation practices, and raising awareness about responsible energy consumption have been contributing to significant emissions reductions.
2. Sustainable transportation
The transportation industry plays a significant role in the generation of carbon emissions. India’s commitment to carbon neutrality revolves around the promotion of sustainable transportation alternatives. These initiatives encompass the adoption of electric vehicles, enhancements to public transportation systems, and the encouragement of active modes of transport such as cycling and walking. This aspect has garnered substantial attention and support from both industry leaders and consumers, making it a noteworthy contribution to the mission of carbon neutrality.
3. Forest conservation and afforestation
Preserving and expanding forest cover is vital for carbon sequestration. India’s ambitious afforestation programs aim to enhance forest cover, promote biodiversity conservation, and sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. According to the 2021 Forest Survey of India (FSI), the estimated forest and tree cover in the country encompasses a total area of 807,276 square kilometers. This accounts for approximately 24.56 percent of the country’s overall geographical expansion. With constant efforts towards improving this number, India can expect a positive contribution towards combating carbon emissions.
4. Industrial transformation & economic opportunities
Transitioning to low-carbon industrial processes is a critical factor in India’s carbon neutrality journey. Encouraging cleaner production technologies, fostering circular economy principles, and promoting sustainable manufacturing practices contribute to reducing industrial emissions. This transition to a low-carbon economy not only presents significant economic opportunities but also enables governments to recognize that investing in clean energy and sustainable industries can drive economic growth, create jobs, and enhance competitiveness. The potential for new industries, technological innovation, and green investments motivates governments to pursue carbon neutrality as a means to achieve long-term economic prosperity.
5. Health and well-being benefits
Transitioning to a carbon-neutral society has co-benefits for public health and well-being. Reducing air pollution, improving air quality, and minimizing the environmental impacts of fossil fuel use can lead to improved public health outcomes. Governments are increasingly recognizing these co-benefits and integrating them into their climate policies.
With all of these efforts, the Government of India is actively taking significant steps to contribute to India’s mission of attaining carbon neutrality by 2070. Through a range of initiatives, robust policy frameworks, and collaborations with international partners, the government is playing a crucial role. Furthermore, there is a collective and widespread effort across all sectors of society, including businesses, communities, and individuals, to support this mission. By embracing innovation and technology, India is paving the way for a sustainable and low-carbon future, ensuring a better tomorrow for future generations.