India's Net Zero Plan Document at COP27 - UPSC Notes | Testbook.com

India's Pledge for a Greener Future

At the COP27, India reiterated its commitment made during the previous COP26 meeting to achieve net zero emissions by 2070. The country also discussed the mechanisms and strategies to be adopted to reach this target.

• One of the key promises made by India is to derive 50% of its energy demand from renewable sources.

Source: TOI

Image: Paris climate agreement

Support Required for Achieving Net Zero

Achieving net zero emissions is a daunting task that demands substantial financial and technological support. Here are some key aspects of the support required:

• India's decarbonisation strategy is largely dependent on the financial aid promised by developed nations to developing countries.
• India would need trillions of dollars to successfully meet its target, as stated at the COP27 at Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt.
• Adapting to climate change could cost India more than Rs 85 trillion by 2030.

Challenges in Achieving the Target

Despite the strong commitment, there are several challenges that India faces in achieving the net zero target. Some of the major challenges include:

• The reluctance of developed nations to fulfill their climate funding obligations poses a major hurdle.
• While India is often cited as one of the largest emitters, it's worth noting that its per capita emissions are only 1/10th of those of the USA.
• If the current situation persists, it could severely jeopardize the Paris Agreement’s goal of keeping the temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Steps India is Taking to Fulfill its Net Zero Commitments

India has taken several significant steps towards achieving its net zero emissions target. Here are some of the major initiatives:

• In 2021, India launched the National Hydrogen Mission, aiming to transform the country into a hydrogen exporter. This will not only reduce India's dependence on crude oil but also contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• India has set ambitious ethanol blending targets, aiming to achieve 20% ethanol blending with petrol by 2025.
• The promotion of electric vehicles through FAME India schemes is another crucial step. As per the NITI Aayog vision document, 30% of the total vehicles on Indian roads by 2030 will be Electric Vehicles.
• The new vehicle scrappage policy incentivizes consumers to replace their old, more polluting vehicles with electric or hybrid ones.
• India is also focusing on Carbon Storage and Capturing (CCS) technologies to remove greenhouse gases before they enter the atmosphere. However, these technologies are currently expensive and complex, necessitating efforts for technology transfer.
• India plans to implement large-scale interventions in five key sectors: energy and electricity, transport, urban design, industries, and forestry.

Conclusion

Climate change poses a serious threat to humanity, and it's crucial that every country takes serious measures to combat this global crisis. India's commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2070 is a significant step in this direction. However, it requires substantial support and collaboration from developed nations to make this goal a reality.