India is actually talking green

Did you know that even on the fifth anniversary of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change (December 2020), India was the only G20 nation to abide by the agreement? Or that the country has been ranked in the top 10 for two consecutive years in the Climate Change Performance Index released by an independent international organization that evaluates the performance of countries emitting 90%+ of global greenhouse gases (GHGs)? Or that the Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LED for All (UJALA) scheme is the world’s largest zero-subsidy LED bulb program for domestic consumers?

need for a world comparison

Despite these achievements, global pressure is mounting on India for the Conference of the Parties (COP26) scheduled for November 2021 in Glasgow. Earlier this year, COP26 President, Alok Sharma, and the United States’ Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry, visited India. In July, the US called on every important economy to make meaningful reductions by 2030.

This brings us to the question. Is it appropriate to pressurize India to increase its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) committed in the Paris Agreement? We can try to answer the question by comparing the achievements of other countries face to face India’s performance, given that climate change is a global public good and a free-rider problem – doesn’t have much of an incentive for countries to contribute their fair share as they might otherwise enjoy the benefits.

Let’s gather the historical perspective first. An examination of World Bank data for CO2 emissions (metric tons per capita) over the two decades following the Kyoto Protocol shows that at the current rate, both China and the US could emit five times more emissions than India in 2030. UK emissions levels may exceed 1.5 times that of India. Brazil, with its dense forests, may end up on similar levels.

on China and America

In recent efforts, last year, China, the world’s largest GHG emitter, joined the ‘race to zero’ and aimed for carbon neutrality by 2060. Interestingly, it expects CO2 emissions to peak by 2030 to turn the emissions curve. The Climate Action Tracker, an independent scientific analysis that tracks the actions of governments, also expressed its concern, saying, “Most worryingly, China remains committed to supporting the coal industry while the rest of the world faces a decline.” experience, and now has half of the world’s coal capacity.” Recently, the US rejoined the Paris Agreement to reduce emissions by 50%-52% in 2030 and an economy-wide net-by 2050. Committed to reaching zero emissions. While they re-energize their fight on climate change, the legislation may not be straightforward, given the strength of Democrats in Congress. US President Joe Biden’s call for such ambitions The $2.3 trillion infrastructure package would require much more near-term investments.

France and Australia

The French government set green conditions to bail out its aviation industry during the novel coronavirus pandemic. However, analysts say no baseline was set for reducing emissions from domestic flights and it is not clear what measures were taken to promote rail for domestic travel.

An Australian prime minister, in 2018, lost his chair over a proposal to address climate change through emissions-reduction targets. Complicated domestic politics kept the problem from being resolved, despite the country’s weakening and the dying of the famed Great Barrier Reef in recent years. This was, at least, the third instance In Australia when climate issues brought down their prime minister. It shows how difficult it is for governments to develop policies to mitigate climate change.

talk like walk it

In comparison, with all its challenges, India is on track to meet and exceed the NDC commitment to achieve 40% electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based sources by 2030 (as reported/ documents show); This share is 38.18% (Nov 2020). Similarly, against a voluntary announcement to reduce the emission intensity of GDP by 20%-25% by 2020, India has reduced it by 24% between 2005-2016. More importantly, we achieved these goals with about 2% of the US$100 billion committed to developing countries in Copenhagen (2009), which was completed by 2015.

As part of its mitigation efforts, India is implementing one of the most comprehensive renewable energy expansion programs to achieve 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022 and 450 GW by 2030. India has also linked its post-pandemic revival with environmental protection. As part of the fiscal stimulus, the government announced a number of green measures, including a $26.5 billion investment in biogas and cleaner fuels, $3.5 billion in incentives for the production of efficient solar photovoltaic (PV) and advanced chemical cell batteries, and $780 million is included for afforestation. program.

Some activists believe that India needs to demonstrate action on a global scale. What we need to appreciate, however, is that among several phases, India has established the International Solar Alliance, a coalition of solar-resource-rich countries, and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, a partnership of governments, United Nations agencies. , provided leadership for the establishment of multilateralism. development banks, private sector and knowledge institutions.

Developed nations can also increase their pressure, especially on jurisdictions that do not meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. At this stage, India can always share independent international assessments, recognizing that our climate action is well suited to the 2°C warming target. India’s contribution to global emissions is far less than its equivalent share of the worldwide carbon budget by any equity criterion.

In short, India has really spoken. Other countries must quickly deliver on their promises and demonstrate concrete results before COP26. In any case, we can always auto inspiration Let’s revise the NDC for Stocktake (2023) first, protecting our interests. Some countries do not have the responsibility of maintaining the entire planet; Everyone has to act.

Sumant Narayan is a civil servant. Views expressed are personal