The Union Cabinet has approved India’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to be communicated to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Why?
- The updated NDC seeks to enhance India’s contributions towards achievement of the strengthening of global response to the threat of climate change, as agreed under the Paris Agreement.
- Such action will also help India usher in low emissions growth pathways.
- It would protect the interests of the country and safeguard its future development needs based on the principles and provisions of the UNFCCC.
Background –
- India at the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Glasgow, United Kingdom, expressed to intensify its climate action by presenting to the world five nectar elements (Panchamrit) of India’s climate action.
- This update to India’s existing NDC translates the ‘Panchamrit’ announced at COP 26 into enhanced climate targets. The update is also a step towards achieving India’s long term goal of reaching net-zero by 2070.
- Earlier, India submitted its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to UNFCCC on October 2, 2015. The 2015 NDC comprised eight goals; three of these have quantitative targets upto 2030 namely,
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- cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil sources to reach 40%;
- reduce the emissions intensity of GDP by 33 to 35 percent compared to 2005 levels and
- creation of additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover.
What are the new commitments?
As per the updated NDC —
- India now stands committed to reduce Emissions Intensity of its GDP by 45 percent by 2030, from 2005 level, and
- achieve about 50 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030.
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