Global greenhouse gas emissions have surged to an all-time high, painting a dire picture of the planet’s climate future. This rise, driven by industrialisation, deforestation, and fossil fuel consumption, emphasises the critical need for nations to uphold their commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Yet, a troubling pattern has emerged: while countries have pledged ambitious targets, many are failing to deliver. Amid this global shortfall, India emerges as a beacon of hope, demonstrating significant progress in meeting its climate goals.
A Model Of Climate Commitment
India has set ambitious goals under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement. India, responsible for approximately 7% of global carbon emissions, has made ambitious promises and followed through with concrete actions. The country has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 and reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. It has also promised to achieve 50% non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030. These targets are supported by initiatives like the National Solar Mission, which aims to establish India as a global leader in solar energy.
India’s installed renewable energy capacity stood at 175 GW in 2022, placing it fourth globally. This capacity includes 64 GW from solar and 47 GW from wind energy. Furthermore, India has reduced its emissions intensity by 33% between 2005 and 2021, a testament to its commitment to sustainable growth. According to the Climate Action Tracker, India’s climate action is compatible with limiting global warming to 2°C, putting it among the few countries with a credible pathway to achieving this goal. Solar energy, in particular, has witnessed exponential growth, with projects like the Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan, the world’s largest, contributing significantly.
Additionally, India’s National Solar Mission has been a game-changer, driving down the cost of solar power to ₹2.44 per unit, among the lowest globally. By 2023, India had installed over 64 GW of solar energy and 47 GW of wind energy, and its renewable energy projects employ over 700,000 workers, showcasing the socio-economic benefits of green growth.
Advanced Economies Falling Behind
In stark contrast, many developed nations, despite having greater resources and historical responsibility for emissions, are struggling to meet their targets. The United States, the world’s second-largest emitter, pledged to halve emissions by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. However, as of 2022, the U.S. has only achieved about a third of this reduction, with projections suggesting a 23%-37% shortfall if current policies persist. A significant part of this shortfall stems from political polarisation, which has hindered the implementation of long-term climate policies.
The United Kingdom, often lauded for its leadership during the 2015 Paris Agreement, faces similar challenges. Its 2030 target of a 68% reduction from 1990 levels is now at risk due to delays in renewable energy investments and rising reliance on natural gas. The UK’s decision to approve new North Sea oil fields in 2023 sparked criticism, reflecting a growing tension between short-term energy security and long-term climate goals.
This failure undermines the credibility of developed nations in leading global climate action.
Challenges In Achieving Global Climate Goals
The disparity between promises and actions raises questions about the effectiveness of international agreements like the Paris Accord. Moreover, the reliance on fossil fuels persists even in advanced economies. The U.S. and the UK continue to subsidise oil and gas industries, with the U.S. providing $20 billion in subsidies annually.
Developed nations have long pledged $100 billion annually to help developing countries combat climate change. However, this commitment was fulfilled only in 2022, two years behind schedule. According to the OECD, this delay has significantly slowed climate adaptation and mitigation efforts in vulnerable regions.
India, despite being a recipient of such funds, has independently mobilised resources for green infrastructure. Initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA), co-founded by India and France, aim to facilitate solar power adoption globally, particularly in Africa and Asia. The ISA has already enabled over $2 billion in investments for solar projects, reinforcing India’s leadership on the global stage.
Balancing Growth And Sustainability
Experts emphasise that aligning economic development with environmental sustainability is key. John Podesta, Senior Advisor to President Biden, notes that “local governments and private sector initiatives play a critical role in bridging federal policy gaps.”
The gap between developed and developing nations’ climate actions is not just a policy issue but a matter of equity. John Kerry, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, recently stated, “We cannot achieve our global goals without ambitious action from all nations, particularly the largest emitters.”
In contrast, Indian climate activist Sunita Narain emphasises, “Developing nations like India cannot be asked to bear an unequal burden of emission reductions when historical emitters shirk their responsibilities. India’s progress demonstrates that climate action and economic growth are not mutually exclusive.”
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India’s government has emphasised the importance of sustainable development. Speaking at COP27, Indian Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav remarked, “India’s climate actions are driven by equity, emphasising the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.” This approach ensures that emission cuts do not compromise economic growth and poverty alleviation.
However, stakeholders warn against complacency. The International Energy Agency (IEA) cautions that India’s continued reliance on coal—its primary energy source—could hinder long-term progress. Addressing this dependency requires enhanced investments in cleaner technologies and infrastructure.
India’s Dual Role
While India is on track to meet its commitments, it faces the dual challenge of sustaining growth while reducing emissions. The demand for energy in a rapidly industrialising nation like India is immense. The coal sector, which powers 70% of India’s electricity, continues to expand, with coal imports reaching 137 million tonnes in 2023, a record high.
To address this, India is investing heavily in emerging technologies like green hydrogen, aiming to produce 5 million tonnes annually by 2030. Similarly, the push for electric vehicles (EVs) has gained momentum, with plans to electrify 30% of all vehicles by the end of the decade. If successful, these initiatives could reduce emissions by over 1 gigatonne annually.
India’s adherence to its climate goals is not just a national success story but a global necessity. As the third-largest emitter, India’s actions significantly impact global emission levels. Furthermore, India’s progress serves as a model for other developing nations, showcasing how economic development can align with environmental stewardship.
India’s success in balancing development with sustainability offers valuable lessons for other nations. Its decentralised approach to renewable energy—emphasising local manufacturing, skill development, and community participation—ensures that the benefits are widely distributed. Programs like the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) have empowered farmers to install solar pumps, reducing their reliance on diesel and increasing incomes through solar energy sales.
In contrast, advanced economies need to address systemic barriers such as fossil fuel subsidies, which totalled $7 trillion globally in 2022, according to the International Monetary Fund. Phasing out these subsidies and redirecting funds toward renewables could catalyse the energy transition.
Conversely, the inability of advanced economies to fulfil their pledges threatens the collective fight against climate change. The burden of reducing emissions disproportionately falls on developing nations, perpetuating global inequalities. Bridging this gap requires developed countries to lead by example, fulfilling their financial commitments and accelerating green transitions.
The climate crisis demands collective action, with every nation playing its part. India’s progress offers a glimmer of hope, demonstrating that even with limited resources, significant strides can be made. Yet, the global fight against climate change remains uneven, with advanced economies falling short of their promises.
As the planet faces unprecedented challenges, the onus is on all nations, particularly those with historical responsibility, to act decisively. Only through shared commitment and collaboration can we secure a sustainable future for generations to come.
Image Credits: Google Images
Sources: Financial Times, AP News, Times of India
Find the blogger: Katyayani Joshi
This post is tagged under: climate change, global warming, emissions, renewable energy, sustainable development, India Climate Action, Paris Agreement, green energy, climate justice, climate commitments, environmental protection, carbon footprint, net zero, energy transition, climate leadership, solar power, wind energy, climate finance, sustainable future, clean energy, climate policy, global climate crisis, eco friendly, green hydrogen, electric vehicles, climate action
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