INTRODUCTION

Climate change has become a central global collective action challenge, driven to crisis by the unsustainable practices of developed nations. The 1990s marked significant environmental policy shifts worldwide, including in India. The 1992 Rio Summit spurred the creation of the UNFCCC, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and Forest Principles, leading to the gradual development of India's climate change and biodiversity divisions.

Details

India’s climate policy focuses on inclusive growth, poverty eradication, a declining carbon budget, adherence to UNFCCC principles, and climate-friendly lifestyles. It has consistently maintained a clear and coordinated approach to climate action.

India’s climate policy is based on five major determinants: geography, population, impacts, worldview, and actions.

• Geography

• Geographic Scope: India, the seventh largest country in the world, spans 3.28 million sq km, representing 2.4% of the global land area and 4% of its freshwater resources.

• Biodiversity Richness: As one of the 17 mega-biodiverse countries, India boasts four biodiversity hotspots, 10 biogeographic zones, and 22 agro-biodiversity hotspots.

• Climate and Seasons: India experiences six distinct seasons, which have traditionally shaped its civilization and economy, but recent climate change has disrupted this seasonal harmony, causing increased unpredictability and adverse effects on nature and society.

• Population

• High Population Density: India's 1.4 billion people, nearly one-sixth of the global population, face a low and decreasing human-to-land ratio of 0.0021 sq km, necessitating efficient land use.

• Biodiversity: India is home to 7-8% of the world’s recorded species, including over 45,500 plant species and 91,000 animal species, highlighting the need for integrated land and water management.

• Impact

• Rising Climate Risk: According to the Global Climate Risk Index 2020 by Germanwatch, India is the fifth most affected country by extreme weather events, up from 14th in 2017.

• Economic and Social Impact: The World Bank's 2018 report predicts that rising temperatures and changing monsoon patterns could reduce India’s GDP by 2.8% and lower the living standards of nearly half the population by 2050.

• Worldview

• Cultural Reverence for Nature: India's worldview is deeply influenced by ancestral beliefs in living harmoniously with nature. The ‘Prithvi Sukta’ regards Earth as a mother, and Gandhi’s ideals emphasise sustainable use and protection of natural resources.

• Ministry's Commitment: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change’s logo, "Nature Protects if She is Protected," reflects India's reverence for nature and commitment to conservation, guided by scientific evidence and data.

• Proactive Climate Actions: Despite historical cumulative emissions of less than 4% and per capita emissions of 1.9 tonnes CO2, India has undertaken significant domestic and international climate actions, such as founding the International Solar Alliance and working to separate carbon emissions from economic growth. 

• Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets:

• India has pledged to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels.

• The NDC aims to achieve a cumulative electric power installed capacity of 50% from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.

•  India is committed to creating an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through increased forest and tree cover by 2030.

• Developed Countries’ Record: The United States exemplifies the inconsistency of developed nations in climate governance, having repeatedly entered and exited international climate agreements (e.g., Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement) based on changing administrations, raising questions about their commitment to global climate action.

Actions

• National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC):The NAPCC of 2008, comprising eight missions, serves as the foundation for understanding and addressing climate change in India. States have developed State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs) in alignment with NAPCC objectives, ensuring a coordinated national approach.

• Inclusive Decision-Making: Over 23 line Ministries at the Centre, along with stakeholders in the states and civil society, actively participate in India's climate policy decision-making process. This inclusive approach ensures diverse perspectives and comprehensive planning.

• Reduced emissions: India's long-term low emissions development strategy to the UNFCCC reflects its commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2070 through multilateral processes. Despite lacking binding mitigation obligations before 2020, India has effectively decoupled economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions, reducing emission intensity by 33% between 2005 and 2019.

• Renewable Energy: India's solar energy capacity has increased by more than 26 times, while wind energy capacity has more than doubled in the last 10 years, making India the fourth largest in wind and fifth largest in solar installed capacity globally. 

• Additionally, India achieved its target of 40% installed electric capacity from non-fossil fuels in November 2021, nine years ahead of schedule, and subsequently increased the target to 50%.

• Confidence and Global Leadership: India demonstrates leadership in climate action, as evidenced by the addition of "confidence" and "convenient action" to its climate policy. 

• Initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA), positioning India as a world leader in climate action.

• India co-leads 'The Leadership Group for Industry Transition' with Sweden and champions the 'Lifestyle for Environment' movement, emphasising sustainable living.

Climate Rights in Indian Constitution 

• Recent Landmark Judgement (M.K. Ranjitsinh and Others v. Union of India and Others) :

• The Supreme Court recognized the right to protection from climate change as part of the fundamental rights to life (Article 21) and equality (Article 14).

• Article 48A: This article directs the state to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife.

• Article 51A(g): This article casts a duty upon citizens to protect and improve the environment.

Panchamrit Policy

The Government of India expressed the concerns of developing countries at the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the UNFCCC held in Glasgow, United Kingdom. 

India presented the following five nectar elements (Panchamrit) of its climate action plan:

1. Achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030.

2. Meeting 50% of energy requirements from renewable energy sources by 2030.

3. Reducing total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes by 2030.

4. Reducing the carbon intensity of the economy by less than 45% by 2030.

5. Achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

Related laws

• The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974: Regulate air and water pollution, reducing emissions from industries.

• Environmental Protection Act, 1986 (EPA): This is the foundation of India's environmental legislation. It empowers the government to regulate air and water pollution, manage hazardous waste, and protect forests.

• The Energy Conservation(Amendment) Act, 2022: Promotes energy efficiency in various sectors, indirectly reducing emissions.
  
  

Issues 

• Meeting Emissions Targets:While India is expanding renewable energy, it still relies heavily on coal. Faster adoption of clean technologies is needed.

• Example:   India is the world's second-largest coal consumer, after China and it currently fuels about 75% of India's electricity generation.

• Global Engagement Gap: While India's plan to leapfrog to a low carbon economy with eight national missions is promising, it lacks a clear stance on global climate action. Despite being minor contributors and victims of climate change, India needs to better define its international role in addressing this crisis.

• Financing Clean Energy Transition:India needs significant investment to achieve its climate goals. International support will be crucial. 

• Example:To achieve net zero emissions by 2070, the IEA estimates that India's energy sector requires an average annual investment of $160 billion until 2030, triple the current investment levels.

• Vision and Inclusivity Issue: The NAPCC lacks a strongly articulated, well-thought-out vision and instead offers a basket of eight "missions" without a durable plan to include the poorest and most vulnerable. Addressing climate change requires innovative thinking beyond traditional issues like poverty and rural unemployment.

• Lack of Climate Resilience: India is already experiencing the effects of climate change, such as more extreme weather events and rising sea levels. The country needs to invest in adaptation measures to protect its people and infrastructure.

• Non Equitable Transition: The transition to a clean energy economy could have negative impacts on some communities, such as those reliant on coal mining. The government needs to ensure a just transition that protects vulnerable populations.

Way forward

• Accelerate Clean Energy Deployment: This goes beyond just solar. Incentivize and streamline permitting for wind, geothermal, and hydropower projects. Invest in grid modernization to handle the integration of these diverse renewable sources.

• Example: Green Energy Corridor which aims at synchronising the electricity produced from renewable resources, such as wind and solar, with the conventional power stations in the grid.

• Promote Energy Efficiency Across Sectors: Develop stricter energy efficiency standards for appliances, buildings, and industries. Offer tax breaks and rebates for energy-efficient technologies. Public awareness campaigns can encourage consumers to make energy-saving choices.

• Mobilise Private and Public Finance: Attract private investment into clean energy projects through stable policies and risk mitigation measures. Government funding for research and development of clean technologies is crucial. International collaboration on climate finance can play a significant role.

• Climate-Smart Agriculture: Promote techniques like conservation agriculture, crop rotation, and use of biofertilizers. Encourage the development of drought-resistant crop varieties. This will not only reduce emissions from agriculture but also improve resilience to climate change impacts.

• Invest in Climate Adaptation Strategies: Strengthen early warning systems for extreme weather events. Upgrade infrastructure to better withstand floods, droughts, and rising sea levels. Develop climate-resilient building codes and invest in natural infrastructure like mangroves and wetlands for coastal protection.

• Example: Mangrove Restoration Program in Mundra Port region in Gujarat

Global practices

• Carbon Pricing Mechanisms (EU Emissions Trading System - ETS):

• Region: European Union

• Policy: The EU ETS is a cap-and-trade system that limits greenhouse gas emissions for industries. Companies can trade permits to emit carbon, creating a market price for carbon pollution and incentivizing emission reductions or clean technology investments.

• Decarbonizing Transport

• Region:  Lima, Peru 

• Policy:Severe traffic congestion and pollution was tackled by adding nearly 100 km of bike lanes during the COVID-19 pandemic, boosting bicycle use from 3.7% to 6.2%. The city aims to expand its cycling network to 1,383 km by 2040, potentially reducing emissions significantly by 2050.

• Energy efficient Buildings

• Region: Turkiye

• Policy: Buildings and appliances consume 30% of global energy and contribute 27% of carbon dioxide emissions. Türkiye's initiative to renovate central government buildings has achieved 30% energy savings in 30 buildings, with 120 more undergoing renovations in 2023.

• Restoring Soil

• Region: Niger

• Policy: In Africa's Sahel region, healthy soils are crucial for agriculture and carbon sequestration. In Niger, traditional practices like agroforestry and rainwater harvesting increased yields by 16-30% and added nearly 5 million hectares of tree cover between 2003 and 2008.

• Electric Vehicle (EV) Incentives:

• Region: China

Policy: China offers various incentives for electric vehicles, including purchase subsidies and tax breaks which significantly boosted EV sales and helped reduce transportation emissions,making it  the world's largest electric vehicle market.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, while initiatives to prevent climate change are underway, their continuity and sustainability are paramount, requiring contributions from individuals worldwide. The release of the NAPCC demonstrates India's commitment to addressing climate

Tags:
Polity

Keywords:
Panchamrit Policy Climate Change Rio Summit