India and Climate Change

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understanding India’s greenhouse gas emissions and mitigation strategies.
2. Recognizing India’s observed climate and weather changes.
3. Gaining insight into India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change.
4. Identifying current actions for climate adaptation and mitigation.
5. Exploring India’s National Missions focused on sustainable habitat, agriculture, and energy.

India’s Position on Climate Change

India has been a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions while also striving for a low-carbon economy. Here’s an overview of India’s climate change footprint and actions:

1. Emission Overview (2010): India emitted 2,136.84 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, with the energy sector accounting for 71% of these emissions. The industrial processes and product use contributed 8%, while the agriculture and waste sectors made up 18% and 3% respectively.
2. Carbon Offset: Approximately 12% of the emissions were offset by carbon sinks in forests and croplands, reducing net emissions to 1,884.31 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
3. Per Capita Emissions: The per capita emission was 1.56 tCO2, significantly lower than the global average and well below the emissions of many developed countries.
4. Emission Intensity Reduction: India achieved a 12% reduction in the emission intensity of its GDP between 2005 and 2010, moving towards its goal of a 20-25% reduction by 2020 compared to the 2005 level.
5. Focus on Adaptation: While focusing on “adaptation” to minimize the impacts of climate change, India also emphasizes “mitigation” efforts.
6. National Action Plan: India has implemented a comprehensive National Action Plan on Climate Change. This includes promoting collaborative research for low-carbon technologies and advocating for global intellectual property rights to be considered public goods.

Important Note: India’s strategy emphasizes “adaptation” due to its diverse vulnerabilities, including reliance on agriculture, extensive coastlines, and densely populated regions.

Observed Climate and Weather Changes in India

India’s National Communication (NATCOM) to the UNFCCC highlights the following observed climate changes in the country:

Surface Temperature

1. Increase in Temperature: Over the past century, India experienced a 0.4°C increase in surface air temperatures. Warming trends are notable along the west coast, central India, and northeastern regions. Conversely, cooling trends were observed in north-west India and parts of the south.

Rainfall

2. Monsoon Variations: No significant trend at the all-India level, but regional variations are present. Increased rainfall is seen along the west coast and north-western India (+10-12%), while decreasing trends are recorded in eastern Madhya Pradesh and northeastern India (-6-8%).

Extreme Weather Events

3. Storm Incidence: A slight increase in severe storm occurrences along the coast at a rate of 0.011 events per year. West Bengal and Gujarat report increased storms, while Orissa has seen a decline.

Sea Level Rise

4. Consistent Rates: Tide gauge records in the north Indian Ocean indicate a 1.06-1.75 mm/year sea level rise, aligning with global estimates.

Himalayan Glaciers

5. Glacial Melt: The Himalayas are crucial for India’s river systems. Glacial melt impacts long-term water availability and hydropower generation, though recession patterns are inconsistent across the mountain range.

Did You Know?: Tripura ranks high in the Climate, Vegetation, Precipitation (CVP) Index, indicating its productivity potential.

Current Actions for Adaptation and Mitigation

India adopts various strategies to cope with climate change, focusing on adaptation and mitigation across key sectors:

Agriculture

1. Risk Financing: The Crop Insurance Scheme and Credit Support Mechanism safeguard farmers against climate-induced crop failures.
2. Crop Improvement: Programs enhance the development of arid-land crops and pest management, supported by capacity-building initiatives for farmers.
3. Drought Proofing: Programs aim to minimize drought impact, promote overall economic development, and support vulnerable communities.

Forestry

4. Afforestation Programs: Since the Forest Conservation Act of 1980, India accelerates afforestation, adding approximately 1.1 million hectares annually. Carbon stocks in forests have increased to 9-10 gigatons of carbon between 1986 and 2005.

Water Management

5. National Water Policy: Emphasizes non-conventional water methods such as rainwater harvesting, artificial recharge, and desalination to boost water resources.

Coastal Regions

6. Protection Measures: Imposing restrictions within 200-500m of the high tide line, constructing coastal protection infrastructure, and planting mangroves to safeguard coastal ecosystems.

Health

7. Disease Surveillance: Health programs focus on monitoring and controlling vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue, and providing emergency relief during natural disasters.

Disaster Management

8. National Disaster Management: Offers aid to disaster victims and proactively implements disaster prevention programs.

Important Note: The annual Economic Survey includes a chapter on Sustainable Development and Climate Change, highlighting the growing environmental challenges.

India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change

India’s National Action Plan features eight national missions aiming to address climate change comprehensively:

1. National Solar Mission: Aims to position India as a global leader in solar energy, adopting a phased approach across the 11th, 12th, and 13th Five-Year Plans. Revised targets include a quantum leap to 100,000 MW of solar power by 2022, consisting of 40 GW rooftop and **60 GW grid-connected solar projects.
2. National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE): Promotes innovative policies and financing mechanisms for energy efficiency. Goals include fuel savings, avoided electricity capacity, and CO2 emission reductions through market-based initiatives.
3. National Mission on Sustainable Habitat: Encourages urban planning, improved waste management, and a shift to public transport to create sustainable habitats.
4. National Water Mission (NWM): Stresses integrated water resource management to conserve water, increase use efficiency, and promote equitable distribution.

Important Note: The Economic Survey 2011-12 recommended incorporating lower carbon sustainable growth in India’s Twelfth Five-Year Plan.

India’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC)

India’s INDC outlines post-2020 climate action plans focused on the following:

1. Sustainable Lifestyles: Promoting a sustainable way of living rooted in traditional practices.
2. Emission Reduction: Targeting a 33-35% reduction in emission intensity of GDP by 2030, based on 2005 levels.
3. Non-Fossil Fuel Electricity: Aiming for 40% cumulative power from non-fossil fuel-based sources by 2030.
4. Carbon Sink Enhancement: Increasing forest cover to create a carbon sink of 2.5-3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2030.
5. Adaptation Efforts: Develop sustainable habitats, optimize water use, and protect Himalayan ecosystems.

Important Note: India’s INDC emphasizes balanced contributions to climate change mitigation, rooted in equity and common responsibilities.

Energy Conservation and Green Initiatives

India has implemented several energy conservation and green building initiatives to promote a sustainable future:

1. Energy Labelling: Introduced energy labels for appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners to inform consumers about energy consumption.
2. Green Building Code: The Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) launched in 2007 aims to reduce energy consumption in commercial buildings by 30-40%.
3. Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA): A rating system developed to evaluate building performance in terms of resource efficiency and environmental impact.

Renewable Energy and Bioenergy

The National Bio-Energy Mission promotes the use of biomass for power generation:

1. Sources of Bio-Energy: Includes farm residues, forest residues, and algal residue, alongside energy crops.
2. Advantages: High energy potential, carbon emission reduction, and economic benefits.

Indian Network on Climate Change Assessment (INCCA)

Launched in 2009, the INCCA addresses climate change through research and monitoring, forming part of India’s communication to the UNFCCC.

Did You Know?: The 42nd Constitutional Amendment enshrined the State’s duty to protect and improve the environment and promote wildlife conservation.

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MCQ**: What is the main objective of India’s National Solar Mission?

1. To promote wind energy.
2. To reduce carbon emissions by 50%.
3. To establish India as a global leader in solar energy.
4. To create new hydroelectric projects.
   Answer: 3