The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) recently released a significant document known as the ‘Emissions Gap Report’. This report suggests that India holds the fourth position in the global ranking of Green House Gas (GHG) emitters. The data underlines the necessity to focus on reducing these hazardous emissions at both a national and global level.
The Global Scenario: Emission Targets and Current Progress
The latest figures highlight the need for drastic emission reductions if we are to adhere to the 1.5°C temperature goal set by the Paris Agreement. This requires global greenhouse gas emissions to reduce by 7.6% annually. Four main contributors, China, the USA, the EU, and India, are responsible for over 55% of the total emissions for the previous decade, not accounting for emissions from land-use changes such as deforestation. When including these emissions, Brazil would likely be the biggest emitter.
Significant Emitter Sectors
Various sectors contribute differently to the overall GHGs emissions. The current hierarchy of emitters, starting from the largest, includes Energy, Industry, Forestry, Transport, Agriculture, and Building sectors.
India’s Position and Economic Influence
India, amongst a few other countries, is making steady progress towards achieving its self-declared climate targets under the Paris Agreement. However, the rate of these emissions depends largely on the country’s economic growth.
About the Emissions Gap Report
The Emissions Gap Report is a crucial piece of research from UNEP. It evaluates the gap between expected emissions in 2030 and levels that align with the 1.5°C and 2°C targets of the Paris Agreement. The report annually showcases methods to reduce the emissions gap.
For the current year, the report concentrated on the potential of energy transition especially focusing on power, transport, and buildings sectors. It also emphasized the efficiency of materials usage like iron, steel, and cement.
The report encompasses various scenarios ranging from the absence of new climate policies since 2005 to the complete execution of all national commitments under the Paris Agreement.
| Emission Scenarios | Response |
|---|---|
| No new climate policies post-2005 | Increased Emissions |
| Full execution of Paris Agreement | Reduced Emissions |
India’s Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs)
By 2030, India aims, primarily, to decrease the emission intensity of GDP by about one-third. About 40% of the installed capacity for electricity will come from non-fossil fuel sources. India also aims to absorb additional carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, creating a carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by the year 2030.
