India is making good progress in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and promoting environmentally friendly growth.1
Here's a simplified explanation:
Emissions Reduction: In 2020, India's greenhouse gas emissions went down by almost 8% compared to 2019.2
Forests Help: India's forests and trees are absorbing a lot of carbon dioxide (CO2) – about 522 million tonnes. This is like removing 22% of the country's total CO2 emissions.
Less Pollution per Unit of Economic Growth: Between 2005 and 2020, India reduced the amount of pollution it creates for every unit of economic growth (GDP) by 36%.3 This means the economy is growing, but it's becoming cleaner.
Where do emissions come from? In 2020:
Energy (power plants, etc.): 75.66%4
Agriculture: 13.72%5
Industry: 8.06%
Waste: 2.56%6
More Trees: India has increased its forest and tree cover, which now covers over 25% of the country.7 This helps absorb even more CO2.
More Renewable Energy: India is using more clean energy sources like solar and wind power.8 Almost half (46.52%) of India's electricity now comes from non-fossil sources. The amount of renewable energy has increased a lot since 2014.9
International Commitments: India is following its promises under the Paris Agreement (called Nationally Determined Contributions or NDCs) to reduce emissions.10 India believes that countries that have historically polluted more should take more responsibility for fixing the problem.
What's next? India will continue to focus on:
Increasing renewable energy.
Using energy more efficiently.
Using land more sustainably.
In simple terms: India is successfully reducing its pollution and using more clean energy. Its forests are also helping by absorbing CO2.11 The country is committed to growing its economy in a way that is good for the environment and is following its international commitments to fight climate change.12