Source: PIB
Subject: Environment
Context: The Union Cabinet has approved India’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for 2031-2035 to be submitted to the UNFCCC.
About India’s Nationally Determined Contribution (2031-2035):
What it is?
- Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are climate action plans submitted by countries under the Paris Agreement to describe their self-defined targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate impacts.
Term: This specific NDC covers the period from 2031 to 2035, building upon the targets previously set for 2030.
Aim: The primary goal is to align India’s rapid economic growth with environmental sustainability, moving closer to the long-term vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 and the ultimate goal of Net-Zero emissions by 2070.
Key Targets Announced:
- Emissions Intensity: Reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 47% by 2035 (from 2005 levels).
- Non-Fossil Fuel Power: Achieve 60% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2035.
- Carbon Sink: Create an additional carbon sink of 3.5 to 4.0 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through expanded forest and tree cover by 2035.
Other Key Features:
- Whole-of-Government Approach: Formulated through 10 NITI Aayog working groups involving central ministries, industry bodies, and civil society to ensure targets are realistic and inclusive.
- Focus on Adaptation: Beyond mitigation, it emphasizes disaster resilience, including mangrove restoration (MISHTI), Heat Action Plans, and glacier monitoring in the Himalayas.
- People-Centric Initiatives: Promotes the LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) movement and community-driven actions like Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam to turn climate action into a mass movement.
- Clean Energy Missions: Leverages the Green Hydrogen Mission, PM Surya Ghar (Solar Rooftop), and Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technologies.
- Global Leadership: Reaffirms India’s role in international alliances like the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Global Biofuel Alliance.
Significance:
- India met its original 2015 targets (33-35% intensity reduction and 40% non-fossil capacity) nearly a decade ahead of schedule, lending high global credibility to these new 2035 goals.
- The transition is expected to generate green jobs and new industrial opportunities for youth and women in the renewable energy and electric vehicle sectors.
