Report to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
India achieved a 7.93% reduction in GHG emissions in 2020 compared to 2019. Forest and tree cover and other land use sequestered 522 million tonnes of CO2, reducing 22% of the country’s total carbon dioxide emissions in 2020. This is a significant achievement for the climate efforts in the country.
Between 2005 and 2020, India’s GDP emission intensity dropped by 36%. As of October 2024, non-fossil sources contributed 46.52% to the installed electricity generation capacity, with renewable power capacity, including large hydropower, reaching 203.22 GW. Excluding large hydro projects, renewable capacity grew 4.5 times, from 35 GW in 2014 to 156.25 GW.
India’s forest and tree cover, now at 25.17% of the total geographical area, created an additional carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes of CO2 from 2005 to 2021.
On December 30, 2024, India submitted its 4th Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) to the UNFCCC, providing a 2020 GHG inventory and updates on mitigation actions, constraints, gaps, and financial, technological, and capacity-building needs.
In 2020, India emitted 2,959 million tonnes of CO2e, excluding LULUCF, and 2,437 million tonnes of net CO2e when including LULUCF. The energy sector contributed 75.66% of emissions, followed by agriculture (13.72%), industrial processes and product use (8.06%), and waste (2.56%).
India’s achievements in respect of the NDC targets
- India has progressively continued decoupling economic growth from GHG emissions. Between 2005 and 2020, India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) emission intensity was reduced by 36%.
- By October 2024, the share of non-fossil sources in the installed electricity generation capacity was 46.52%. The total installed capacity of renewable power, including large hydropower, is 203.22 GW, and cumulative renewable power installed capacity (excluding large hydro projects) has increased 4.5 times from 35 GW in March 2014 to 156.25 GW.
- India’s forest and tree cover has consistently increased and currently stands at 25.17% of the country’s total geographical area. From 2005 to 2021, an additional carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent has been created.
Despite a low historical contribution to global emissions, India proactively combats climate change. Actions align with sustainable development goals and principles of equity and CBDR-RC, as outlined in the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement.
Link to the BUR-4: https://unfccc.int/documents/645149
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