SYLLABUS
GS-3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Context: Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved India’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for 2031–2035 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, enhancing its climate ambition.
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• India has announced enhanced climate targets for 2035, aligning development priorities with climate responsibility and the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 and net-zero by 2070.
• These targets build upon earlier commitments (2015, updated in 2021–22), many of which were achieved ahead of schedule, demonstrating India’s credible climate track record.
• India’s approach reflects a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability, especially as a developing country with low historical emissions (~3.5%).
• The formulation process involved extensive stakeholder consultations, led by NITI Aayog, ensuring a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.
India’s NDCs Targets for 2035
• Reduce Emissions Intensity: Target 47% reduction in emissions intensity of GDP by 2035 compared to 2005 levels.
- By 2020, India had already achieved 36% reduction.
• Expand Non-Fossil Power Capacity: Achieve 60% of cumulative installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources by 2035.
- Previous 2030 target: 50% (already achieved ahead of time).
- As of February, more than 52% capacity is non-fossil-based.
• Enhance Carbon Sink: Create an additional 3.5–4 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent carbon sink through forest and tree cover by 2035 (from 2005 levels).
- Previous 2030 target: 2.5–3 billion tonnes.
- By 2021, 2.3 billion tonnes already achieved.
• Progressive Enhancement: The new NDC (2031–2035) strengthens the climate pledges made in India’s first NDC (2015), which were further revised and updated in 2021–2022, reflecting a progressively ambitious approach.
• The updated NDC also includes five qualitative goals, focusing on:
- Climate-resilient development pathways
- Clean and sustainable economic growth
- Climate finance mobilisation
- Technology, innovation, and capacity building
- Promotion of sustainable lifestyles (LiFE)
Comparison across successive NDC commitments
| Commitment Area | First NDC (2015) | Updated NDC (2021–2022) | India’s fourth Biennial Update report (2025) | Updated NDC (2031-2035) |
| Emissions intensity: | Reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 33–35% below 2005 levels. | Reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 45% below 2005 levels by 2030. | Emissions intensity India’s GDP has reduced by 36% from 2005 levels (as of 2020). | Target 47% reduction in emissions intensity of GDP by 2035 compared to 2005 levels. |
| Non-fossil power capacity: | Achieve 40% of installed electric power capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030. | Achieve 50% of cumulative installed power capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030. | Non-fossil sources accounted for 50% of installed capacity (June 2025). | Achieve 60% of cumulative installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources by 2035. |
| Carbon sink (forests): | Create an additional carbon sink of 2.5–3 GtCO₂e by 2030 through increased forest and tree cover | An additional carbon sinkof 2.29 billion tonnes of CO₂e was achieved between 2005 and 2021. | Create 3.5-4 billion tonnes CO2e carbon sink through increased forest and tree cover. | |
| Long-term target: | Net-zero emissions by 2070 |
India’s Initiatives for Achieving NDC
• Clean Energy and Green Growth: India is undertaking a large-scale expansion of renewable energy and green infrastructure to reduce emissions.
- It is focusing on battery storage systems, green energy corridors, and cleaner manufacturing practices.
- Key schemes driving this transition include the National Green Hydrogen Mission, PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, and PM-KUSUM.
- In addition, efforts such as Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) and expansion of nuclear energy are being promoted.
• Climate Adaptation and Resilience: India places strong emphasis on adaptation alongside mitigation to address climate vulnerabilities.
- Measures include mangrove restoration and coastal protection to safeguard ecosystems.
- It is strengthening early warning systems for extreme weather events and enhancing glacier monitoring in the Himalayan region.
- Heat Action Plans across states and the development of climate-resilient infrastructure further support resilience.
• Institutional Framework: India’s climate actions are guided by an established institutional framework.
- Implementation is carried out through the National Action Plan on Climate Change and State Action Plans on Climate Change.
- These are supported by schemes such as the Jal Jeevan Mission, National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture, and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, which integrate climate considerations into development.
• International Climate Leadership: India plays an active role in global climate governance and cooperation.
- It collaborates through initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
- It is also part of platforms like the Global Biofuel Alliance and the Leadership Group for Industry Transition, promoting sustainable industrial transitions.
• People-Centric Climate Action: India emphasizes behavioral change as a key pillar of climate action.
- Initiatives such as Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) and the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign encourage individual participation.
- These efforts aim to transform climate action into a mass movement by promoting sustainable lifestyles and community engagement.
