India’s Updated Climate Commitments for 2031–2035
Context
The Union Cabinet has cleared India’s revised Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for the 2031–2035 cycle, to be formally submitted to the UNFCCC.
Conceptual Framework
Definition: Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are country-specific climate commitments under the Paris Agreement outlining emission reduction and climate resilience strategies.
Time Horizon: The current submission spans 2031–2035, extending beyond earlier 2030 commitments.
Strategic Vision
Development-Climate Balance: Integrates economic expansion with ecological sustainability.
Long-term Goal: Supports the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 and India’s Net-Zero target by 2070.
Quantified Commitments
Carbon Efficiency: Cut emissions intensity of GDP by 47% (base year: 2005) by 2035.
Energy Transition: Ensure 60% of installed electricity capacity comes from non-fossil sources.
Green Cover Expansion: Build an additional carbon sink of 3.5–4 billion tonnes CO₂ equivalent via forests and trees.
Institutional Mechanism
Collaborative Governance: Prepared through 10 working groups led by NITI Aayog, involving ministries, industry, and civil society.
Inclusive Policy Design: Ensures feasibility, stakeholder participation, and sectoral alignment.
Resilience & Adaptation Focus
Climate Preparedness: Strengthens disaster resilience and adaptation capacity.
Key Initiatives: Mangrove restoration (MISHTI), Heat Action Plans, and Himalayan glacier surveillance.
Societal Mobilisation
Behavioural Change Model: Promotes LiFE for sustainable living.
Mass Participation: Campaigns like Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam encourage grassroots environmental action.
Green Technology Push
Clean Energy Drive: Expands renewable ecosystem through Green Hydrogen Mission and rooftop solar (PM Surya Ghar).
Emerging Solutions: Focus on Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) technologies.
International Engagement
Climate Diplomacy: Strengthens leadership in global platforms like the International Solar Alliance and the Global Biofuel Alliance.
Relevance & Implications
Credibility Factor: India achieved its 2015 NDC targets well before deadline, enhancing trust in new commitments.
Economic Impact: Expected to generate green employment and boost sectors like renewable energy and electric mobility, benefiting youth and women.
Source : PIB