India’s Climate Action During the Pandemic

C+S 2021 students are blogging about topics that interest them for Applications in Climate and Society, a core spring class.

Five years after the adoption of the Paris Agreement, eight countries have already submitted their second pledge, known as National Determined Contributions. But India, one of the top powerhouses in the world, has not updated their NDC yet. What it chooses to do and how it recovers from the pandemic will play a major role in the next phase of the agreement. The goal of the Paris Agreement is to limit global warming below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit), preferably 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit), compared to pre-industrial levels. This treaty is based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, which implies that developed countries should provide funding and technologies to help developing countries; meanwhile, developing countries may have extra time to achieve the agreement’s goal, based on different conditions of each country.

India in its NDC states that it will address poverty, sustainable economic growth, and climate change at the same time. However, in 2020, due to covid-19, its GDP already contracted and 75 million more people fell into poverty. 

India’s NDC pledged to “reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33 to 35 percent below 2005 emissions.” The Climate Action Tracker rated India’s NDC as compatible with the goal of limiting warming to 2 degrees Celsius. The group writes that India’s commitment is a “fair share of global effort based on its responsibility and capability.” 

The country has committed to install 175 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2022 and has already reached 125 gigawatts of clean energy capacity. Currently, India has achieved 21 percent of its promise to reduce the emissions intensity of GDP by 33 to 35 percent. Greenhouse gas emissions decreased in 2020 compared with 2019 as the global pandemic also reduced the demand for power and caused a sharp decrease in fuels and electricity consumption. 

The NDC also states the federal government will provide incentives to states based on their forest cover. Studies show, however, that the state forestry budgets didn’t increase as expected and local communities are not benefiting from the forest-related financial transfers.

In addition to these national policies, India also advocates in its NDC for international collaboration to improve its ability to achieve its goals. Internationally, parties such as the U.S. and EU should send funding and/or technologies to help India adapt and build capacity. Funding and technology can also help accelerate India’s clean energy transition and help to build resilience in communities and people living in poverty.

The economy cannot return to a normal state without solving the adverse impacts from the pandemic, though.

Considering the damage that covid-19 has brought to the Indian economy and people, the recovery from the pandemic is critical for India to achieve its NDC. As India suffering from the pandemic and climate impacts, endeavors from both India and international partners are needed. Besides the efforts that India made on its own, developed countries should reach out and help to implement clean energy projects in India. If all social sectors work together, we can fight the crisis as whole and achieve better livelihoods for all.