Combating Climate Change: India’s Role and Global Commitments
Combating Climate Change is a critical issue for policymakers and civil services aspirants alike. India, as a developing nation, plays a pivotal role in addressing climate change while balancing its developmental aspirations. From its domestic initiatives to international commitments, India’s climate strategy reflects its leadership in the global environmental dialogue.
Understanding Climate Change
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These changes are primarily driven by human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial activities, leading to an increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Impacts such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss pose serious challenges to sustainable development.
India’s Domestic Role in Combating Climate Change
1. National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
Launched in 2008, the NAPCC outlines India’s strategy to combat climate change through eight key missions:
- National Solar Mission: Promotes solar energy to reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
- National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency: Focuses on reducing energy consumption in industries.
- National Water Mission: Aims to conserve water and ensure its efficient use.
- National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture: Addresses climate resilience in agriculture.
2. Renewable Energy Targets
India has set an ambitious target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030. The International Solar Alliance (ISA), initiated by India, has been instrumental in promoting solar energy globally.
3. Afforestation and Carbon Sequestration
Through initiatives like CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority) and the National Afforestation Programme, India is enhancing its green cover to act as a carbon sink.
4. Electric Mobility
The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) Scheme supports the transition to electric vehicles, reducing vehicular emissions.
5. Sustainable Urban Development
India’s Smart Cities Mission integrates sustainability by promoting energy-efficient buildings, sustainable transport, and waste management.
India’s International Commitments for Combating Climate Change
1. Paris Agreement (2015)
India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement include:
- Reducing the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33-35% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.
- Achieving 40% of its power capacity from non-fossil fuels by 2030.
- Creating an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through forest and tree cover.
2. COP26 and Beyond
At the COP26 summit in Glasgow, India made significant commitments, including:
- Achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
- Meeting 50% of its energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030.
- Reducing total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes by 2030.
3. International Alliances
- International Solar Alliance (ISA): A platform for solar-rich countries to promote solar energy.
- Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI): Focuses on resilient infrastructure development.
- Mission Innovation: Aims to accelerate innovation in clean energy technologies.
Challenges in Combating Climate Change
- Balancing Development and Sustainability
- India’s developmental needs often conflict with its environmental objectives. For example, coal remains a significant energy source due to its affordability.
- Financial Constraints
- Achieving climate goals requires substantial investments. Limited financial resources pose a challenge, particularly for renewable energy and infrastructure projects.
- Technological Gaps
- Dependence on advanced technologies from developed countries limits India’s capacity to implement innovative solutions.
- Extreme Weather Events
- India faces an increasing frequency of floods, cyclones, and droughts, disrupting ecosystems and livelihoods.
Key Government Initiatives
1. National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC)
Provides financial support for climate adaptation projects in sectors vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
2. Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) Scheme
A market-based mechanism under the Energy Efficiency Mission to incentivize energy-intensive industries to improve efficiency.
3. State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs)
Aligns state-level strategies with the NAPCC to address region-specific climate challenges.
4. Green India Mission
Aims to protect, restore, and enhance India’s forest cover and biodiversity.
Study Resources for Aspirants for Combating Climate Change
- NCERT Books
- Geography: Covers climate systems, ecosystems, and environmental challenges.
- Environment: Discusses pollution, natural hazards, and climate mitigation.
- Government Reports
- India’s State of Forest Report by the Forest Survey of India.
- Economic Survey: Highlights government initiatives and budget allocations for climate action.
- Online Platforms
- Sleepy Classes: Offers courses on environmental topics for UPSC preparation.
- PIB: Provides updates on government policies and schemes.
- External Sources
- UNFCCC: Updates on global climate negotiations.
- World Bank: Reports on climate finance and mitigation strategies.
- Wikipedia: Articles on international environmental agreements.
Integrating Climate Change in UPSC Answers
1. Introduction
Begin with a definition or data point. For example:
- “Climate change is a global phenomenon posing unprecedented challenges to sustainability. India, contributing approximately 7% of global emissions, holds a crucial role in combating climate change.”
2. Body
Discuss India’s efforts under domestic policies, international commitments, and challenges faced.
3. Conclusion
End with a forward-looking statement emphasizing the need for collaboration. For instance:
- “India’s leadership in combating climate change reflects its commitment to global sustainability. However, collaborative efforts across nations and stakeholders remain essential for effective climate action.”
Conclusion
Combating Climate Change is not merely a governmental responsibility but a collective one. With robust policies, innovative solutions, and international cooperation, India continues to lead by example in addressing this global crisis. Aspirants preparing for civil services must deeply understand India’s climate strategies to integrate them effectively in their answers, essays, and interviews. By doing so, they contribute to fostering a knowledgeable and environmentally conscious administrative framework.
