Cabinet Approves India’s Nationally Determined Contribution (2031-2035)

Syllabus: GS3/  Environment

Context

• The Union Cabinet approved India’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for 2031–2035 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.

What are Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)?

• Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are country-specific climate action plans submitted under the Paris Agreement.
• They outline targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change.
• NDCs are revised periodically to enhance ambition.
• Guiding Principles of India’s NDC:

• India’s NDC is based on the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC). The approach emphasises equity and climate justice.
• India’s NDC balances developmental needs, energy security, and climate commitments.

Key Targets in NDC 3.0 (2031-2035)

• Emissions Intensity Reduction: India has committed to reducing the emissions intensity (CO₂ per unit of GDP) of its GDP by 47% by 2035 from 2005 levels.
  • India has already reduced its emissions intensity by about 36% between 2005 and 2020.
• Expansion of Non-Fossil Fuel Capacity: India has committed to achieving 60% of its installed electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2035.
  • India has already achieved more than 52% non-fossil fuel capacity by 2026, ahead of its earlier target.
• Creation of Carbon Sink: India has committed to creating a carbon sink of 3.5 to 4 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent through forest and tree cover by 2035.

Challenges in Achieving India’s NDC Targets

• Technology and Innovation Gaps: Critical technologies such as Green hydrogen, Battery storage, Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) are still costly and not commercially scalable.
  • India remains dependent on imports for critical minerals and advanced technologies.
• Dependence on Fossil Fuels: Coal continues to dominate India’s energy mix due to affordability and energy security concerns. Non-fossil capacity exceeds 50%, but actual electricity generation share remains much lower (~25%), reflecting structural dependence.
• Infrastructure Pressure: India is undergoing rapid urbanisation, with cities contributing a large share of emissions.
  • Infrastructure demand (housing, transport, industry) increases carbon footprint.

Major Government Initiatives for Achieving NDC Targets

• PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana aims to promote rooftop solar in households and reduce fossil fuel-based electricity consumption.
• PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) promotes solar pumps and decentralised solar plants, reducing diesel use in agriculture.
• National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors and position India as a global green hydrogen hub.
• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes support domestic manufacturing of solar modules, batteries, and electric vehicles.
• Green Energy Corridor Project strengthens transmission infrastructure for renewable energy integration.
• The National Afforestation Programme enhances forest cover to create carbon sinks.

Way Ahead

• India should enhance climate finance mobilisation through green bonds, blended finance, and increased private sector participation, while actively seeking global climate finance.
• India must invest in research and innovation in emerging technologies such as Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS), hydrogen, and storage solutions.
• India needs to gradually reduce coal dependence through a phased and just transition strategy that protects jobs and regional economies.

Source: PIB