Charting a Sustainable Path
India has launched a wide array of policies, missions, and programs at the national and state levels to address climate change mitigation and adaptation. These concerted efforts demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainable development and global climate action.
National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) - 2008
An overarching policy framework outlining India's approach to climate change, comprising eight National Missions focusing on different aspects of mitigation and adaptation.
National Solar Mission (JNNSM)
Aims to promote solar energy generation (grid-connected and off-grid). Has significantly driven solar capacity addition in India.
National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE)
Focuses on improving energy efficiency in industries, appliances, and buildings through market-based mechanisms (e.g., PAT scheme, S&L for appliances).
National Mission on Sustainable Habitat
Aims to make cities more sustainable through improved urban planning, energy efficiency in buildings, solid waste management, and public transport.
National Water Mission
Focuses on integrated water resource management, improving water use efficiency, and addressing water scarcity.
National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE)
Aims to understand climate change impacts on the Himalayan ecosystem and develop adaptation strategies.
National Mission for a Green India (GIM)
Aims to increase forest and tree cover, improve forest quality, and enhance ecosystem services (including carbon sequestration).
National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
Promotes climate-resilient agricultural practices, soil health management, water use efficiency, and adaptation in rainfed areas.
National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change (NMSKCC)
Aims to build a vibrant knowledge system on climate science, impacts, and technologies, and to promote research and capacity building.
Key Policy Milestones
2008
Launch of NAPCC
The National Action Plan on Climate Change established a comprehensive framework for India's climate strategy.
2015
Paris Agreement & NDCs
India submitted its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), outlining its commitments to emission reduction and adaptation.
2021 (COP26)
"Panchamrit" Goals & Net Zero
India announced enhanced ambitions, including the "Panchamrit" five-fold strategy and a net-zero emissions target by 2070.
Ongoing
State Action Plans (SAPCCs)
States continuously develop and implement their own action plans aligned with NAPCC to address specific regional climate challenges and opportunities.
NDCs & "Panchamrit" - India's Climate Ambition
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
India's commitments under the Paris Agreement drive many domestic actions. These NDCs reflect the nation's resolve to decouple economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions. Key updated NDC targets include:
- Reduce emissions intensity of its GDP by 45 percent by 2030, from 2005 level.
- Achieve about 50 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030.
- Create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 2030.
The "Panchamrit" - Five Nectar Elements
Announced at COP26, these five goals provide a roadmap for India's enhanced climate ambition:
500 GW Non-Fossil Energy
India will reach its non-fossil energy capacity to 500 gigawatts by 2030.
50% Renewable Energy
India will meet 50 percent of its energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030.
1 Billion Tonne Reduction
India will reduce the total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes from now onwards till 2030.
Carbon Intensity <45%
By 2030, India will reduce the carbon intensity of its economy by less than 45 percent.
Net Zero by 2070
By the year 2070, India will achieve the target of Net Zero emissions.
Key Pillars of Climate Action
Renewable Energy Promotion & Energy Efficiency
Ambitious RE Targets
India has set ambitious targets for renewable energy capacity addition (solar, wind, small hydro, biomass). Policies like solar parks, rooftop solar schemes, wind energy auctions, and Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs) drive this growth.
Illustrative RE Target Progress:
Target: 500 GW by 2030 (Conceptual representation)
Energy Efficiency Measures
Beyond NMEEE, key initiatives include:
- Standards and Labeling (S&L) Program by Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) for appliances.
- Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) for commercial buildings, and Eco-Niwas Samhita for residential buildings.
- UJALA (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All) scheme: Promoted LED bulb adoption.
Sustainable Transportation
Focus on transforming the transport sector through:
- National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) & FAME Scheme for promoting electric mobility.
- Development of metro rail systems in major cities.
- Promotion of public transport and Non-Motorized Transport (NMT).
- Improvement of fuel efficiency standards for vehicles (e.g., BS-VI norms).
- National Policy on Biofuels.
Afforestation, Sustainable Agriculture & Water Management
Afforestation & Forest Conservation
Key programs like Green India Mission, CAMPA, and National Afforestation Programme focus on increasing forest and tree cover to enhance carbon sinks.
Sustainable Agriculture & Water
Initiatives like:
- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) for "Per Drop More Crop".
- Soil Health Card Scheme for balanced fertilizer use.
- Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) for organic farming.
- Components of the National Water Mission.
Waste Management & Pollution Control
These initiatives, while primarily for pollution control, have significant co-benefits for GHG emission reduction (e.g., methane from landfills, black carbon from waste burning):
- Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) for sanitation and solid waste management.
- Solid Waste Management Rules, E-waste Management Rules, etc.
- National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
Climate Change Adaptation Initiatives
- National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC): Supports concrete adaptation activities for states/UTs vulnerable to climate change.
- Sectoral Integration: Adaptation is integrated into policies for agriculture, water, coastal zones, etc.
- Resilient Infrastructure: Development of infrastructure that can withstand climate impacts.
- Early Warning Systems: For climate-related disasters.
Research, Development & Capacity Building
India supports research on climate science, impacts, and technologies through various institutions and runs capacity-building programs for diverse stakeholders.
Climate Finance Mobilization (Domestic)
Efforts include budgetary allocations, encouraging private sector investment in green projects, and funds like NAFCC and the earlier NCEF.
India's Global Climate Leadership
India has not only focused on domestic action but has also spearheaded key international initiatives.
International Solar Alliance (ISA)
Launched by India and France at COP21 (2015), ISA is a treaty-based intergovernmental organization promoting solar energy deployment, especially in solar-rich countries. Headquartered in Gurugram, India.
Learn More (Placeholder)Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)
Launched by India at the UN Climate Action Summit in 2019, CDRI is a multi-stakeholder global partnership aiming to promote the resilience of new and existing infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks. Secretariat in New Delhi.
Learn More (Placeholder)Challenges in India's Domestic Climate Action
Despite significant progress, India faces several challenges in its climate action journey.