Mining, Energy and Climate Change

Assignment-1

India’s commitment for the

reduction of global warming and
actions envisaged under the Paris
Protocol.

Introduction:

Global warming poses a significant threat to the planet, with implications ranging from rising sea
levels to extreme weather events. In response to this challenge, the international community
came together to negotiate the Paris Agreement in 2015. India, as one of the signatories to the
agreement, has made substantial commitments to mitigate climate change and reduce its carbon
footprint. This assignment aims to explore India's commitment to the reduction of global
warming and the actions envisaged under the Paris Protocol.

India's Commitment under the Paris Agreement:

India's commitment under the Paris Agreement revolves around reducing its greenhouse gas
emissions intensity, enhancing its carbon sink, and transitioning towards a sustainable
development pathway. Key elements of India's commitment include:

​ 1) Reduction of Emissions Intensity: India has pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas
emissions intensity by 33-35% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. This commitment
 entails a significant decarbonization effort across various sectors, including energy,
transportation, industry, and agriculture.
​ 2) Expansion of Renewable Energy: India has set ambitious targets for expanding its
renewable energy capacity, including solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. The aim is to
achieve 40% of its installed power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.
​ 3) Promotion of Energy Efficiency: India is actively promoting energy efficiency
measures across industries, buildings, and appliances to reduce energy consumption and
lower greenhouse gas emissions. Initiatives such as the Perform, Achieve, and Trade
(PAT) scheme aim to improve energy efficiency in energy-intensive sectors.
​ Enhancement of Carbon Sink: India recognizes the importance of forests and other
ecosystems as carbon sinks. The country has committed to creating an additional carbon
sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tons of CO2 equivalent through afforestation and reforestation by
2030.
​ 4) Adaptation and Resilience Building: In addition to mitigation efforts, India is focused
on building resilience to the impacts of climate change through adaptation measures. This
includes initiatives such as climate-smart agriculture, water conservation, and disaster
preparedness.
​ 5) Afforestation and Forest Conservation: India recognizes the vital role of forests in
sequestering carbon dioxide. The nation has launched initiatives like the Green India
Mission and the National Afforestation Programme to increase forest cover and enhance
carbon sinks.

Actions Envisaged under the Paris Protocol:

Under the Paris Protocol, India has outlined a range of actions aimed at achieving its climate
targets and contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. These actions include:

​ 1) National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): India has developed a

comprehensive NAPCC comprising eight missions focusing on various aspects of climate
change, including solar energy, energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture, and water
conservation.
 ​ 2) Implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): India is working
towards implementing its NDCs, which outline its commitments and actions to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions and enhance resilience to climate change.
​ 3) International Cooperation and Partnerships: India is actively engaging in international
cooperation and partnerships to access finance, technology, and capacity-building support
for its climate actions. Initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA) aim to
promote solar energy deployment globally.
​ 4) Policy and Regulatory Reforms: India is undertaking policy and regulatory reforms to
create an enabling environment for climate action. This includes measures to promote
renewable energy deployment, improve energy efficiency standards, and incentivize
sustainable practices across sectors.
​ 5) Public Awareness and Education: India is also focusing on raising public awareness
and education on climate change and the importance of sustainable development. This
includes campaigns, workshops, and educational programs aimed at fostering climate
literacy and behavior change.
​ 6) International Collaboration: India is actively engaged in international collaborations to
address climate change. The nation participates in forums like the Conference of Parties
(COP) to share experiences, exchange best practices, and negotiate global climate
agreements.

Conclusion:

India's commitment to reducing global warming under the Paris Agreement is reflected in its
ambitious targets and actions across various sectors. Through a combination of mitigation,
adaptation, and international cooperation, India aims to play a proactive role in addressing the
climate crisis while pursuing its development goals. However, achieving these targets will
require concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including governments, businesses, civil society,
and individuals, to transition towards a low-carbon and climate-resilient future.