India’s Road to Net Zero

India’s path to net zero by 2070 is a monumental challenge that requires balancing economic growth, improving the quality of life for over a billion people, and addressing climate change. Achieving this target involves systemic shifts in energy, industry, transportation, and agriculture and overcoming significant economic and technological barriers. Read here to learn more.

Achieving global net-zero emissions is critical to limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, as outlined in the Paris Agreement.

Countries, businesses, and organizations worldwide are taking steps to reach this goal, though the path is fraught with challenges and varying levels of commitment.

The 2024 U.S. presidential election is pivotal for global climate action due to the country’s significant role as one of the world’s largest historical carbon emitters and a leader in climate diplomacy.

This highlights a core issue in the fight against climate change: the challenge of aligning national priorities with global goals.

Global net zero considerations

Over 70 countries, including major emitters like the U.S., China, and the EU, have pledged to achieve net zero emissions by mid-century.

Many of these commitments are legally binding, while others are voluntary or conditional on international support.

U.S. Leadership in Global Climate Policy:

• The U.S. has a dual role as a major emitter and a critical player in mobilizing climate finance, technology transfer, and global cooperation.
• Policies under the current administration, such as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), have substantially increased investments in clean energy and carbon reduction technologies.
• A shift in the administration could impact the continuity of such programs, possibly slowing global momentum for climate action.

National Interests vs. Global Goals:

• Developed countries, like the U.S., have resources to accelerate their green transitions. However, a change in leadership prioritizing domestic economic interests over international commitments could weaken global initiatives like COP29.
• Developing countries, like India, often face resource and infrastructure limitations. India’s pledge to reach net zero by 2070 and its commitment to reducing emissions intensity hinge on international support, including climate finance and technology transfer.

India’s path to net zero

India has undertaken measures such as expanding renewable energy capacity, promoting electric mobility, and implementing afforestation programs. However, systemic challenges remain.

• Energy Dependence:
  • India remains heavily reliant on coal, which constitutes about 70% of its electricity generation. Phasing out coal while meeting rising energy demands will require a significant increase in renewable energy capacity.
  • India’s per capita energy consumption is still low compared to developed nations, but rapid urbanization and industrialization could increase demand.
• Economic Development Needs:
  • As a developing country, India prioritizes economic growth to alleviate poverty, improve living standards, and provide basic services like electricity, water, and healthcare.
  • Balancing these needs while reducing emissions could strain financial resources.
• Technological and Financial Gaps:
  • Transitioning to clean energy requires advanced technologies like green hydrogen, carbon capture, and storage (CCUS), which are expensive and still under development.
  • Mobilizing the estimated $10 trillion required for the energy transition by 2070 is a formidable task, especially without substantial international financial support.
• Agricultural Emissions:
  • Agriculture contributes to a significant portion of India’s greenhouse gas emissions due to methane from livestock and rice paddies.
  • Reducing emissions in this sector is complex due to the need to ensure food security and the livelihood of millions of farmers.
• Climate Vulnerabilities:
  • India is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries, facing severe weather events like floods, heatwaves, and cyclones, which could disrupt progress.

Comparison with Neighbors

• China: India’s largest neighbour is set to achieve net zero by 2060. China has aggressively invested in renewable energy, leading the world in solar and wind power capacity, but still heavily relies on coal.
• Pakistan: Although it has renewable energy ambitions, Pakistan has yet to announce a net zero goal and struggles with financial and infrastructural challenges.
• Bangladesh: Focused on climate adaptation rather than net zero, Bangladesh has a strategy to lower emissions intensity but lacks a concrete long-term decarbonization plan.
• Nepal and Bhutan: These smaller nations have minimal emissions and focus on maintaining carbon neutrality. Bhutan, for instance, remains carbon-negative due to its forest coverage and hydroelectric energy reliance.

Progress and Opportunities for India

• Renewable Energy Expansion:
  • India is targeting 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 and has already made significant progress in solar and wind energy installations.
  • Initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and domestic programs like KUSUM (solarizing agriculture) indicate strong political commitment.
• Energy Efficiency Measures:
  • Programs like Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) and the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) promote energy efficiency in industries and buildings.
  • Transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) and scaling up charging infrastructure are key areas of focus.
• Carbon Markets:
  • The launch of India’s domestic carbon market will provide incentives for industries to adopt cleaner practices and help achieve emissions reductions cost-effectively.
• Afforestation and Land Use:
  • India has committed to creating a carbon sink of 2.5–3 billion tons of CO2 equivalent through afforestation by 2030.

Global Cooperation and Support

A growing coalition of countries, cities, businesses and other institutions are pledging to get to net zero emissions.

As of June 2024, 107 countries, responsible for approximately 82 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, had adopted net zero pledges either in law, in a policy document such as a national climate action plan or a long-term strategy, or in an announcement by a high-level government official.

More than 9,000 companies, over 1000 cities, more than 1000 educational institutions, and over 600 financial institutions have joined the Race to Zero, pledging to take rigorous, immediate action to halve global emissions by 2030.

• International Climate Finance: India’s success hinges on the delivery of promised climate finance from developed countries, such as the $100 billion annual commitment under the Paris Agreement.
• Technology Transfer: Access to affordable and advanced technologies will be critical, requiring global collaboration.

Future outlook

• Strengthening Domestic Policies: Implementing carbon pricing and stricter regulations on emissions-intensive industries can accelerate the transition.
• Investing in R&D: Greater investment in innovation for green technologies like green hydrogen, storage batteries, and CCUS is essential.
• Community and Grassroots Engagement: Encouraging behavioural changes, sustainable agriculture practices, and decentralized renewable energy adoption can address emissions at the grassroots level.

Conclusion

India’s road to net zero by 2070 is challenging but achievable with a clear roadmap, strong governance, international support, and technological advancements.

While the transition poses significant risks, it also presents an opportunity for India to lead the global fight against climate change and create a sustainable, equitable future for its citizens.

The confluence of national interests and global challenges emphasizes that climate action is both a political and collaborative endeavour. The 2024 U.S. election outcome will undoubtedly influence not just domestic policies but also global climate priorities, making it as significant as any COP.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is net zero?

Ans: Put simply, net zero means cutting carbon emissions to a small amount of residual emissions that can be absorbed and durably stored by nature and other carbon dioxide removal measures, leaving zero in the atmosphere.

Q. Are we on track to reach net zero by 2050?

Ans: No, commitments made by governments to date fall far short of what is required. Current national climate plans – for 195 Parties to the Paris Agreement taken together – would lead to a 2.6 per cent decrease in global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, compared to 2019 levels.

Q. Why is net zero important?

Ans: The science shows clearly that to avert the worst impacts of climate change and preserve a livable planet, global temperature increase needs to be limited to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Related articles:

• Zero carbon buildings
• Climate targets: What are India’s revised climate goals?
• International Climate Action in Civil Aviation
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

-Article by Swathi Satish