India’s Updated Nationally Determined Contribution

Syllabus: General Studies Paper 3

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister has approved India’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to be communicated to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

• NDC seeks to enhance India’s contributions towards achievement of the strengthening of global response to the threat of climate change, as agreed under the Paris Agreement.
• India at the 26th  session of the Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Glasgow, United Kingdom, expressed to intensify its climate action by presenting to the world five nectar elements (Panchamrit) of India’s climate action.
• Earlier, India submitted its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to UNFCCC on October 2, 2015.

As per the updated NDC, 

• India now stands committed to reduce Emissions Intensity of its GDP by 45 percent by 2030, from 2005 level.
• To achieve about 50 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030. 
•  “To put forward and further propagate a healthy and sustainable way of living based on traditions and values of conservation and moderation, including through a mass movement for ‘LIFE’– ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ as a key to combating climate change”.
• NDC also represents the framework for India’s transition to cleaner energy for the period 2021-2030.
• The Net Zero target by 2030 by Indian Railways alone will lead to a reduction of emissions by 60 million tonnes annually. 
• Similarly, India’s massive LED bulb campaign is reducing emissions by 40 million tonnes annually.