India recently submitted its Biennial Update Report (BUR-4), providing a comprehensive overview of its greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory, progress on climate targets, and initiatives to address climate change.
BURs are mandatory reports submitted by developing nations to the UNFCCC under the Paris Agreement, covering:
1) National GHG Inventory: Emission sources, sinks, and trends.
2) Climate Action Plans: Policies and programs to mitigate emissions.
3) Support Received: Financial, technical, and capacity-building assistance.
4) Socioeconomic and Forestry Data: National circumstances affecting emissions.
2) Sectoral Contributions to Emissions
- Energy: 75.66% (Electricity production alone: 39%).
- Agriculture: 13.72%.
- Industry and Waste: 10.62%.
3) Progress on Commitments
- Emissions intensity reduction: On track to achieve the target of 45% reduction by 2030.
- Non-fossil fuel-based power generation capacity: 46.52% as of 2024.
- Additional carbon sink creation: 2.29 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent (2005–2021).
BURs are mandatory reports submitted by developing nations to the UNFCCC under the Paris Agreement, covering:
1) National GHG Inventory: Emission sources, sinks, and trends.
2) Climate Action Plans: Policies and programs to mitigate emissions.
3) Support Received: Financial, technical, and capacity-building assistance.
4) Socioeconomic and Forestry Data: National circumstances affecting emissions.
Highlights of India's BUR-4
1) GHG Inventory for 2020: Total GHG emissions: 2,959 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Emissions intensity of GDP reduced by 36% from 2005 levels.2) Sectoral Contributions to Emissions
- Energy: 75.66% (Electricity production alone: 39%).
- Agriculture: 13.72%.
- Industry and Waste: 10.62%.
3) Progress on Commitments
- Emissions intensity reduction: On track to achieve the target of 45% reduction by 2030.
- Non-fossil fuel-based power generation capacity: 46.52% as of 2024.
- Additional carbon sink creation: 2.29 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent (2005–2021).
4) Energy Efficiency Schemes
- Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT): Saved 7.72 Mtoe (Million Tonnes of Oil Equivalent).
- Reduced 28.74 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.
5) Technology Needs for Growth: Advanced technologies required include ultra-efficient photovoltaics, floating wind turbines, and carbon capture solutions for industries.
Challenges in Achieving Commitments
1) Technology Barriers: Limited access to advanced, low-carbon technologies due to high costs and intellectual property restrictions.2) Financial Constraints: Insufficient funding for large-scale renewable energy projects and carbon sink initiatives.
3) High Fossil Fuel Dependency: Transitioning sectors like transportation and industries away from fossil fuels remains a significant challenge.
4) Agricultural Emissions: Methane emissions from livestock and rice cultivation persist as key issues.
5) Urbanization and Population Growth: Increasing energy demand and waste generation continue to strain existing resources.
Way Ahead
1) Facilitate affordable access to advanced climate technologies.2) Expand Renewable Energy: Accelerate investments in solar, wind, and other non-fossil energy sources.
3) Enhance Forest Cover: Implement robust afforestation programs to meet carbon sink targets.
4) Promote Circular Economy: Encourage sustainable practices across industries and improve waste management.
5) Collaborate Globally: Seek international support for finance, technology, and capacity-building initiatives.
Syllabus GS-III:
- Environmental security and Ecosystems, Conservation of Wild life, Biodiversity, Environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.