2 minScientific Concept
Scientific Concept

Climate Change Mitigation / India's Climate Goals

What is Climate Change Mitigation / India's Climate Goals?

Climate Change Mitigation refers to actions taken to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) or to enhance their removal from the atmosphere, thereby limiting global warming. India's Climate Goals are its specific national and international commitments to address climate change.

Historical Background

The scientific consensus on climate change emerged in the late 20th century, leading to international efforts like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 1992 and the Kyoto Protocol 1997. India, as a developing nation, has historically emphasized 'common but differentiated responsibilities' and has actively participated in global climate negotiations, notably the Paris Agreement 2015.

Key Points

8 points
  • 1.

    GHG Emission Reduction: Primary goal is to reduce the concentration of GHGs like CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide in the atmosphere.

  • 2.

    Renewable Energy Transition: Promoting the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydro power.

  • 3.

    Energy Efficiency: Implementing measures to reduce energy consumption across sectors (industrial, residential, transport).

  • 4.

    Carbon Sequestration: Enhancing natural carbon sinks through afforestation, reforestation, and sustainable land management.

  • 5.

    India's NDC Targets (under Paris Agreement): To reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030 from 2005 level; achieve about 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030.

  • 6.

    Panchamrit Commitments (COP26, Glasgow): India's five-fold strategy including reaching non-fossil energy capacity of 500 GW by 2030, 50% of energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030, 1 billion tonnes reduction in total projected carbon emissions by 2030, 45% reduction in emissions intensity by 2030, and achieving Net Zero by 2070.

  • 7.

    Sectoral Policies: Development of policies for sustainable transport (e.g., EVs), green buildings, industrial decarbonization, and waste management.

  • 8.

    International Cooperation: Active participation in global forums and initiatives to share best practices and secure climate finance and technology transfer.

Visual Insights

India's Journey in Climate Action: Key Milestones & Commitments

This timeline outlines India's significant national and international commitments and policy initiatives in addressing climate change, showcasing its evolving role and ambitious goals.

India has transitioned from a cautious participant to a proactive leader in global climate action, balancing development needs with environmental responsibilities. Its commitments reflect a growing ambition to decarbonize its economy.

  • 1992UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) - India signs, emphasizing 'common but differentiated responsibilities'.
  • 1997Kyoto Protocol - India does not have binding emission reduction targets as a developing nation.
  • 2008National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) launched - Eight national missions for climate action.
  • 2015Paris Agreement - India submits its first Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
  • 2021COP26 (Glasgow) - PM Modi announces 'Panchamrit' commitments, including Net Zero by 2070.
  • 2022India updates its NDCs - Enhancing 2030 targets (45% emissions intensity reduction, 50% non-fossil capacity).
  • 2023National Green Hydrogen Mission launched - ₹19,744 crore outlay for green hydrogen production.
  • 2026Private EVs allowed as Shared Taxis - Policy supporting transport decarbonization (Current News).

India's Climate Goals & Progress (Jan 2026)

This dashboard presents India's key climate change mitigation targets and current progress, highlighting its commitment to a sustainable future and the role of various sectors, including transport, in achieving these goals.

Emissions Intensity Reduction Target (by 2030)
45% from 2005 levelTarget

India's updated NDC target under the Paris Agreement. Policies like EV promotion directly contribute to achieving this by decarbonizing transport.

Non-Fossil Fuel Energy Capacity Target (by 2030)
500 GWTarget

A 'Panchamrit' commitment. Rapid expansion of solar and wind power is underway to meet this ambitious goal.

Renewable Energy Capacity (Jan 2026 Est.)
270 GW+20% YoY

Significant progress towards the 500 GW target, making India a global leader in renewable energy deployment.

Net Zero Target Year
2070Commitment

India's long-term goal announced at COP26, requiring massive transformations across all sectors, including transport.

Recent Developments

5 developments

India updated its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in 2022, enhancing its 2030 targets.

Launch of the National Green Hydrogen Mission with an outlay of ₹19,744 crore to make India a global hub for green hydrogen production.

Prime Minister's call for 'LiFE – Lifestyle for Environment' movement at COP26, promoting sustainable lifestyles.

Rapid expansion of renewable energy capacity, with India being among the top countries globally in solar and wind power.

Increased focus on climate finance and technology transfer from developed to developing nations at international climate summits (COPs).

Source Topic

Green Light for Green Mobility: Private EVs Can Now Operate as Shared Taxis

Economy

UPSC Relevance

Extremely important for UPSC GS Paper 3 (Environment, Economy, Science & Technology) and GS Paper 2 (International Relations, Government Policies). Questions frequently cover India's climate targets, policies, international agreements, and the impact of climate change.

India's Journey in Climate Action: Key Milestones & Commitments

This timeline outlines India's significant national and international commitments and policy initiatives in addressing climate change, showcasing its evolving role and ambitious goals.

1992

UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) - India signs, emphasizing 'common but differentiated responsibilities'.

1997

Kyoto Protocol - India does not have binding emission reduction targets as a developing nation.

2008

National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) launched - Eight national missions for climate action.

2015

Paris Agreement - India submits its first Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

2021

COP26 (Glasgow) - PM Modi announces 'Panchamrit' commitments, including Net Zero by 2070.

2022

India updates its NDCs - Enhancing 2030 targets (45% emissions intensity reduction, 50% non-fossil capacity).

2023

National Green Hydrogen Mission launched - ₹19,744 crore outlay for green hydrogen production.

2026

Private EVs allowed as Shared Taxis - Policy supporting transport decarbonization (Current News).

Connected to current news

India's Climate Goals & Progress (Jan 2026)

This dashboard presents India's key climate change mitigation targets and current progress, highlighting its commitment to a sustainable future and the role of various sectors, including transport, in achieving these goals.

Emissions Intensity Reduction Target (by 2030)Target
45% from 2005 level

India's updated NDC target under the Paris Agreement. Policies like EV promotion directly contribute to achieving this by decarbonizing transport.

Data: 2030 (Target)
Non-Fossil Fuel Energy Capacity Target (by 2030)Target
500 GW

A 'Panchamrit' commitment. Rapid expansion of solar and wind power is underway to meet this ambitious goal.

Data: 2030 (Target)
Renewable Energy Capacity (Jan 2026 Est.)+20% YoY
270 GW

Significant progress towards the 500 GW target, making India a global leader in renewable energy deployment.

Data: 2026
Net Zero Target YearCommitment
2070

India's long-term goal announced at COP26, requiring massive transformations across all sectors, including transport.

Data: 2070 (Target)