CLIMATE CHANGE PROJECT: NOTES

4. Government Response

Government COP17 (2011) Position

Government proposals for future

1. CO2 emissions targets/reductions

2. Changes in energy use
3. Contributors/Recipients to Climate Fund

1. COP17 (2011) Position - took place in Durban, South Africa

Climate minister: Jairem Ramesh
Environmental minister: Jayanthi Natarajan
"greater commitment on emission reductions from developed countries are
necessary before India would even be willing to begin discussions on a legally
binding agreement for developing countries" & stressed the need for equity
and for CBDR (Common But Differenciated Responsibility) one of the
cornerstones for a sustainable environment.
2. Government Proposals

equitaleral access to sustained technology CONSIDERED

unilateral trade measures

accelerated access to critical mitigation and adaptation technologies

and related intellectual property rights

continuation of Kyoto protocol

4. C02 Emission targets & reductions

Today India is the third largest Greenhouse gas emitter. Energy is Indias key
contributor to their economic growth, delivering about 7-8% each year
meaning India needs to increase its primary energy supplu by 3-4x, electricity
by 5-7x.
Currently India faces the challenge of improving the reliability and adequacy

of energy supplies while making modern energy services accessible &

affordable to the entire population.
Low carbon technologies, or, energy efficient technologies will play a central
role in addressing climate change.
The rapid degradation of forests in India (as explained in Greenpeace video)
largely due to its large population pressures and accelerated economic
growth affects the ability of Indias forests to provide goods and services, and
their ability to function as carbon sinks to help mitigate climate change.
B. Coal
In the past 5 years India has been getting big on coal, it has increased its
power capacity by 73%
- plans to double domestic coal production to 1 billion tonnes a year by 2019
- kills up to 115,000 Indians a year
- India's air is the dirtiest
"India cannot and will not take emission reduction targets because poverty
eradication and social and economic development are first and overriding
priorities."

Magadh Mine - in Jharkhand started production last month, could well

become Asia's biggest by 2020 = 51 million tonnes per annum. Will be
used to power plants like NTPC's North Karanpura project.

North Karanpura - coal field covers an area of 1,230 km2 and has a
total coal reserves of 13,110.84 million tonnes. Set a 1billion tonne
production goal for Coal India by 2020

Western Coalfield - another subsidary of CIL (Coal India) will be opening

1 new mine every month for the next 2 years.
- CIL accounts for 80% of domestic coal production recording an output
of 37.17 million tonnes in September, missing the target by 4.1%

5. Changes in Energy Use

- Energy efficient technologies such as smart grids which increase the supply
of renewable energy by promoting commercial deployment of renewable
energy technologies and managment practices, cleaner fossil fuel
technologies.
- Making a big push for solar energy

- Reduce emissions intensity by 33-35% by 2030

- Quadruple India's renewable power capacity to 175gw by 2020 and cut
fossil fuel subsidies.

3. Contributors

The Clean Energy Program

Focuses on reducing GHG emissions in the energy, industry & urban factors.

PACE (India Partnership to Advance Clean Energy)

Supports & strenghtens clean energy technology innovation, increasing

renewable
energy supply, facilitating financial closure of clean energy projects.

The 100$ Billion Green Climate Fund

"Countries spend trillions of dollars on waging wars but they are reluctant to
commit more to mitigate climate change and this is an imminent disaster."
Build and support systems that focus on countries with maximum growth
potential, help address specific bottlenecks and facilitate implementation of
country strategies.