Context: India recently submitted its Fourth Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) detailing its Greenhouse Gas Emission (GHG) inventory and the efforts it has taken to curb emissions to the UNFCCC. 

• BUR-4 updates the Third National Communication (TNC) and contains the National Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventory for the year 2020. 

• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is India's nodal ministry for managing and coordinating climate change activities and reporting under Article 4.1 of UNFCCC.

Key highlights of the Report

• GHG Emission Reduction: India’s GDP emissions intensity reduced by 36% from 2005 to 2020, on track to meet the target of 45% reduction by 2030.

• Sectoral Emissions: Energy (75.66%), Agriculture (13.72%), Industrial Processes (8.06%), and Waste (2.56%).

• Breakdown of GHGs: CO2 (80.53%), methane (13.32%), and nitrous oxide (5.13%).

• Progress on NDC Targets: Emission intensity of GDP was reduced by 36% from 2005 to 2020.

• Non-fossil fuel capacity reached 46.52%, with renewable power capacity growing to 203.22 GW.

• Additional 2.29 billion tonnes CO2 absorbed through afforestation (2005–2021).

• India continues to strive towards its climate goals, including the ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

Challenges Identified

• Financial Needs: Enhanced funding for scaling mitigation and adaptation efforts.

• Technology: Advanced tools needed for renewable energy, carbon capture, and efficiency improvements.

• Capacity Building: Strengthened institutional frameworks and workforce skills.

Proactive steps  India has taken to combat climate change

• Renewable Energy Expansion: India aims to achieve 500 GW of installed renewable energy capacity by 2030, with a focus on solar, wind, and other clean energy sources.

• The National Solar Mission has significantly boosted solar power generation capacity across the country.

• Energy Efficiency Initiatives: Like Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) scheme and UJALA Program. 

• Increasing Forest and Tree Cover: Forest and tree cover currently stands at 25.17% of the country’s total geographical area and has consistently increased.

• Supporting Global Climate Initiatives: International Solar Alliance (ISA), and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

• Other National Schemes: PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, National Bio-Energy Programme, and National E-Bus Programme etc. 

• Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) Movement: Focuses on encouraging sustainable living practices to reduce environmental impact.