India has recently submitted its 4th Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This report provides an update on India’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, its efforts to reduce emissions, and its strategies to adapt to climate change.
What is 4th Biennial Update Report (BUR-4)?
BUR-4 provides updates on India’s Third National Communication (TNC) and includes:
- National GHG Inventory for 2020.
- Details on India’s climate vulnerability, mitigation actions, and the challenges in finance, technology, and capacity building.
- Insights into India’s national circumstances and achievements in reducing emissions.
Key Highlights of India’s GHG Emissions in 2020
- Reduction in Emissions
- Total GHG emissions were 7.93% lower than in 2019.
- Excluding Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF), emissions totaled 2,959 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (CO2e).
- Net emissions (including LULUCF) were 2,437 million tonnes of CO2e.
- Sector-Wise Emissions
- Energy: 75.66%
- Agriculture: 13.72%
- Industrial Processes and Product Use: 8.06%
- Waste: 2.56%
- Role of Forests
- Forests and trees in India sequestered 522 million tonnes of CO2, offsetting 22% of total emissions in 2020.
India’s Progress in Reducing Emissions
- Emission Intensity
- From 2005 to 2020, emissions per unit of GDP reduced by 36%, while maintaining economic growth.
- Renewable Energy Achievements (as of October 2024)
- Non-fossil energy sources now make up 46.52% of electricity generation capacity.
- Total installed renewable energy capacity reached 203.22 GW (including large hydro).
- Solar energy capacity increased 35 times since 2014, reaching 92.12 GW.
- Wind energy capacity more than doubled, reaching 47.72 GW.
- Forest Cover
- Forest and tree cover now span 25.17% of India’s land area.
- Between 2005 and 2021, India created an additional carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes of CO2e.
- Global Rankings
- 4th in renewable energy installed capacity.
- 4th in wind energy capacity.
- 5th in solar energy capacity.
Government Initiatives for Climate Action
- Promoting Renewable Energy
- 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) allowed in renewable energy under the automatic route.
- PM-KUSUM Scheme: Encourages solar energy use among farmers.
- Sustainable Waste Management
- GOBARdhan Initiative: Converts biodegradable waste into biogas, compressed biogas (CBG), and organic manure.
- Green Hydrogen Development
- National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023): Aims to produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030.
- International Collaboration
- International Solar Alliance (ISA).
- Mission LiFE—Lifestyle for Environment.
- Global Biofuel Alliance.
- Partnerships like One Sun, One World, One Grid and Lead IT 2.0.
Conclusion
India’s submission of BUR-4 to the UNFCCC underscores its commitment to combating climate change while promoting economic growth. With significant achievements in renewable energy, forest conservation, and international cooperation, India continues to make strides towards a sustainable and low-carbon future.
