2 minEconomic Concept
Economic Concept

Clean Energy / Climate Change

What is Clean Energy / Climate Change?

स्वच्छ ऊर्जा उन ऊर्जा स्रोतों को संदर्भित करती है जो उपयोग किए जाने पर वायुमंडल को प्रदूषित नहीं करते हैं, या जिनका पर्यावरणीय प्रभाव न्यूनतम होता है, मुख्य रूप से नवीकरणीय ऊर्जा स्रोत जैसे सौर, पवन, जलविद्युत और भूतापीय। जलवायु परिवर्तन तापमान और मौसम के पैटर्न में दीर्घकालिक बदलावों को संदर्भित करता है, जो मुख्य रूप से मानवीय गतिविधियों, विशेष रूप से जीवाश्म ईंधन जलाने से ग्रीनहाउस गैसों (GHGs) के उत्सर्जन के कारण होता है, जिससे ग्लोबल वार्मिंग और अत्यधिक मौसम की घटनाएं होती हैं।

Historical Background

The global concern over climate change intensified with the establishment of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 1988 and the adoption of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1992. India has been a signatory to major international climate agreements, balancing its development needs with environmental responsibilities. The push for clean energy gained momentum globally in the 21st century due to energy security concerns and climate goals.

Key Points

12 points
  • 1.

    Clean Energy:

  • 2.

    Includes solar energy, wind energy, hydropower, bioenergy, geothermal energy, and green hydrogen.

  • 3.

    Aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions.

  • 4.

    Promotes energy security and sustainable development.

  • 5.

    Involves significant technological innovation and investment.

  • 6.

    India's target: 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030.

  • 7.

    Climate Change:

  • 8.

    Caused by anthropogenic GHG emissions (CO2, Methane, N2O).

  • 9.

    Leads to global warming, sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss.

  • 10.

    International efforts include mitigation reducing emissions and adaptation adjusting to impacts.

  • 11.

    Principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) guides international negotiations.

  • 12.

    India's commitment: Net-zero emissions by 2070 (Panchamrit targets).

Visual Insights

Clean Energy & Climate Change: India's Strategy & Global Context

This mind map explores the intricate relationship between clean energy and climate change, highlighting India's national strategies, ambitious targets, and its role in global frameworks to address these critical environmental and developmental challenges.

Clean Energy & Climate Change

  • ●Clean Energy Sources
  • ●Climate Change Impacts
  • ●India's Commitments & Initiatives
  • ●Global Frameworks & Principles

Recent Developments

6 developments
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Rapid growth in India's renewable energy capacity, becoming the 4th largest globally.

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Focus on green hydrogen as a future fuel.

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Increased international cooperation on climate finance and technology transfer.

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India's leadership in the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

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Debates on Loss and Damage Fund at COP summits.

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Transition away from coal remains a major challenge for developing economies.

Source Topic

German Chancellor to Visit India for Strategic Talks with PM Modi

International Relations

UPSC Relevance

Extremely important for UPSC GS Paper 1 (Geography - Environmental Geography), GS Paper 3 (Environment and Ecology, Economic Development - Infrastructure: Energy), and GS Paper 2 (International Relations - Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India). Regularly features in Prelims and Mains, often in essay questions.

Clean Energy & Climate Change: India's Strategy & Global Context

This mind map explores the intricate relationship between clean energy and climate change, highlighting India's national strategies, ambitious targets, and its role in global frameworks to address these critical environmental and developmental challenges.

Clean Energy & Climate Change

Solar, Wind, Hydropower

Bioenergy, Geothermal

Green Hydrogen

Global Warming, Sea-level Rise

Extreme Weather Events

Biodiversity Loss, Food Security

500 GW Non-Fossil Fuel by 2030

Net-zero Emissions by 2070

International Solar Alliance (ISA)

UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement

Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR)

Climate Finance & Technology Transfer

Connections
Clean Energy Sources→Climate Change Impacts
India's Commitments & Initiatives→Clean Energy Sources
India's Commitments & Initiatives→Global Frameworks & Principles
Global Frameworks & Principles→Climate Change Impacts

India's Non-Fossil Fuel Energy Capacity (GW): Progress Towards 2030 Target

This bar chart illustrates India's installed non-fossil fuel energy capacity over recent years, showcasing the significant growth and the trajectory towards the ambitious target of 500 GW by 2030. It highlights India's commitment to clean energy transition.