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.

More on the News

• 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

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.

• o Initiatives such as Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) and the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign encourage individual participation. 
• o These efforts aim to transform climate action into a mass movement by promoting sustainable lifestyles and community engagement.

Sources:
Down To Earth
PIB
Indian Express
PM India