India Submits 4th Biennial Update Report to UNFCCC

Syllabus: GS3/ Environment, Conservation

In 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. 

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.

What 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.

Source: IE