India Unveils Modest Yet Significant 2035 Climate Targets Under Paris Agreement
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India has communicated its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for 2035 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
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Key 2035 targets include achieving 60% non-fossil installed electric capacity, reducing emissions intensity by 47% from 2005 levels, and increasing carbon sink to 3.5-4 billion tonnes.
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These new targets build upon India's 2030 NDCs, which the nation is already on track to achieve, or has already surpassed, ahead of schedule.
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The updated NDCs reflect India's commitment to global climate action, considering the Global Stocktake outcomes and the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC).
- ●India submitted its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for the period up to 2035 to the UNFCCC.
- ●The 2035 targets include 60% non-fossil fuel-based installed electric capacity and a 47% reduction in emissions intensity per unit of GDP from 2005 levels.
- ●India also aims to create an additional carbon sink of 3.5 billion to 4 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2035.
- ●Many of India's 2030 climate targets, such as non-fossil capacity and emissions intensity reduction, have been achieved or are close to being met well before the deadline.
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
NDCs are at the heart of the Paris Agreement and embody efforts by each country to reduce national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Each NDC reflects a country's ambition, taking into account its domestic circumstances and capabilities. They are reviewed and updated periodically to increase ambition over time.
Simple Analogy: Think of NDCs as individual pledges made by countries in a global team effort to tackle climate change, where each country commits to specific actions and targets to contribute to the overall goal.
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
An international environmental treaty adopted in 1992, aiming to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. It provides the framework for international climate action, including the Paris Agreement.
Conference of Parties (CoP)
The supreme decision-making body of the UNFCCC, comprising all states that are parties to the Convention. It meets annually to review the implementation of the Convention and any new legal instruments, such as the Paris Agreement.
Paris Agreement
The international treaty under which NDCs are submitted, aiming to limit global warming.
Renewable Energy in India
The targets directly drive the expansion of solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear power sectors.
Forest Conservation and Afforestation
Increased carbon sink targets necessitate robust policies and programs for enhancing forest and tree cover.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Directly linked to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Global Stocktake (GST)
A process under the Paris Agreement to assess collective progress towards long-term climate goals, influencing future NDCs.
Exam Relevance
GS Paper 3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment; International relations.
General Awareness: Current Affairs, Environment.
General Awareness: Current Affairs, Economy, Environment.
General Awareness: Current Affairs, Environment.
General Awareness: Current Affairs, International Organizations.
Previously Asked (PYQs)
"Climate Action Tracker" which monitors the emission reduction pledges of different countries is a :
Answer: Database created by coalition of research organisations
"Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now" is an initiative launched by
Answer: The UNFCCC Secretariat
Each day is more or less the same, the morning is clear and bright with a sea breeze; as the Sun climbs high in the sky, heat mounts up, dark clouds form, then rain comes with thunder and lightning. But rain is soon over. Which of the following regions is described in the above passage?
Answer: Equatorial
Expected Questions
- ★UPSC may ask: 'Critically analyze India's updated NDCs for 2035 in the context of global climate action and the principle of CBDR-RC.'
- ★SSC/Banking may ask: 'What percentage of India's installed electric capacity is targeted to be from non-fossil sources by 2035?'
- ★UPSC Prelims may ask statement-based questions comparing India's 2030 and 2035 targets or the implications of achieving targets ahead of schedule.
Topic Frequency
High, especially for UPSC and other exams focusing on environment and international agreements.
Key Terms
Country-specific climate action plans under the Paris Agreement.
Natural or artificial reservoirs that absorb and store carbon dioxide.
Ratio of greenhouse gas emissions to economic output (GDP).
Periodic assessment of collective global progress towards Paris Agreement goals.
Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities, a principle in international climate policy.
Must Remember
- •India's three main 2035 targets: non-fossil capacity (60%), emissions intensity reduction (47%), and carbon sink (3.5-4 billion tonnes).
- •India is ahead of schedule on its 2030 NDC targets.
- •The NDCs are submitted to the UNFCCC under the Paris Agreement.
- •The principles guiding India's NDCs include Global Stocktake outcomes and CBDR-RC.
Exam Tips
- •Pay close attention to specific percentages and numerical targets, as these are frequently tested.
- •Understand the difference between 'installed capacity' and 'actual power generation' for energy-related targets.
- •Familiarize yourself with the roles and mandates of international bodies like UNFCCC and CoP.