The evolution and essentials of India’s climate policy

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Context:

Climate policy of India reflects India’s commitment to climate change policy.

Evolution and Essentials of India’s Climate Policy

Early Initiatives (1980s-1990s)	●1980s: India started participating in global environmental discussions, such as the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). ●1988: Establishment of the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF).
The 1990s	●1992: India participated in the Rio Earth Summit and ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). ●1993: Creation of the National Conservation Strategy and Policy Statement on Environment and Development.
Early 2000s	●2001: India's First National Communication (NATCOM) to the UNFCCC, detailing national greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories and climate mitigation efforts. ●2002: Introduction of the Energy Conservation Act, promoting energy efficiency and conservation.
Mid-2000s	●2008: Launch of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), outlining eight missions focused on climate change mitigation and adaptation, including the National Solar Mission and the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency.
Late 2000s to Early 2010s	●2009: India’s Copenhagen Pledge to reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 20-25% from 2005 levels by 2020. ●2010: Establishment of the National Clean Energy Fund (NCEF) to support clean energy initiatives.
2010s	●2015: Submission of India's Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) under the Paris Agreement, aiming to reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 33-35% by 2030 from 2005 levels, increase renewable energy capacity to 175 GW by 2022, and create a carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover. ●2016: Ratification of the Paris Agreement.
Recent Developments (2020s)	●2021: Announcement of the National Hydrogen Mission to promote hydrogen as a clean energy source. ●2022: Commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, increase non-fossil energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030, and meet 50% of energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030. ●2023: Updates and progress reports on various NAPCC missions, such as advancements in solar energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable agriculture practices.

Five Major Determinants of India’s Climate Policy:

Geography:

Land and Biodiversity: India covers 2.4% of the world's land area, is a mega-biodiverse country with 17 biodiversity hotspots, and experiences six seasons.
Climate Disruption: Climate change has led to unpredictable seasonal patterns affecting nature and society.

Population:

Human to Land Ratio: India’s dense population demands integrated land and water management.

Impacts:

Vulnerability: India ranked as the fifth most affected country by extreme weather events (Global Climate Risk Index 2020).
Economic Impact: Climate change could reduce India’s GDP by 2.8% and depress living standards by 2050 (World Bank report).

Worldview:

Cultural Ethos: Influenced by principles of living in harmony with nature, inspired by ancient texts and Gandhi’s ideals.
Ministry’s Focus: Emphasis on the principle "Nature Protects if She is Protected."

Actions:

International Leadership: India has contributed to creating the International Solar Alliance and adheres to the CBDR-RC principle.
Domestic Initiatives: Implementation of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and state-level action plans (SAPCCs).
Emissions Reduction: Reduced emission intensity by 33% from 2005 to 2019, decoupling economic growth from GHG emissions.

Recent Developments and Initiatives:

Solar and Wind Energy: Significant increase in renewable energy capacity, achieving targets ahead of schedule.
Basic Services Provision: Focus on providing housing, electricity, water, health insurance, and clean cooking gas.
Global Alliances: Participation in the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA).

Conclusion:

India Advocates for the ethos of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (One Earth, One World, One Future) as essential for global sustainability. India’s model should inspire other developing nations to counter narratives from developed countries and focus on science-based policy-making.

Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/an-expert-explains-the-evolution-and-essentials-of-indias-climate-policy-9263839/

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Discuss the evolution of climate policy in India since the 1980s, highlighting the key milestones and initiatives. How have these policies contributed to India's efforts in combating climate change?(250 Words)