Net Zero

Driving Toward a Sustainable Future: India's Ambitious Net Zero Targets in Alignment with the United Nations' Global Agenda

Introduction: In recent years, the global community has recognized the urgent need to address climate change by reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to sustainable energy sources. As one of the world's fastest-growing economies and a major emitter of greenhouse gases, India plays a crucial role in this global effort. In response to the climate crisis, both the Government of India and the United Nations have set ambitious decarbonization targets aimed at mitigating climate change, promoting sustainable development, and ensuring a cleaner, greener future for generations to come. This article explores India's attractive profession in decarbonization and its alignment with the UN's global agenda, spanning from the year 2000 to 3000.

India's Net Zero Journey: Since the turn of the millennium, India has made significant strides in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development. With a growing population, rapid urbanization, and increasing energy demand, the country faces complex challenges in balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. However, India has demonstrated its commitment to decarbonization through a series of policy initiatives, technological innovations, and international collaborations.

1. Renewable Energy Expansion: India has emerged as a global leader in renewable energy deployment, with ambitious targets for solar, wind, and other renewable sources. The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, launched in 2010, aimed to deploy 20 GW of solar power capacity by 2022, later revised to 100 GW by 2022. This initiative has propelled India's solar energy capacity and positioned the country as a key player in the global renewable energy market.

2. Energy Efficiency Improvements: Recognizing the importance of energy efficiency in reducing carbon emissions, India has implemented various initiatives to promote energy conservation and efficiency across sectors. The Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) scheme, launched in 2012, targets energy-intensive industries and incentivizes energy savings through a market-based mechanism. Additionally, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has introduced energy efficiency standards and labeling programs for appliances, buildings, and vehicles, further contributing to decarbonization efforts.

3. Electrification of Transport: India has embarked on a journey to electrify its transportation sector, aiming to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and curb vehicular emissions. The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) India scheme, launched in 2015, provides incentives for the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles and supports the development of charging infrastructure. With ambitious targets for electric vehicle penetration, India aims to transform its automotive industry and promote sustainable mobility solutions.

4. Afforestation and Carbon Sink Enhancement: Recognizing the importance of natural ecosystems in sequestering carbon dioxide, India has launched initiatives to enhance forest cover, restore degraded lands, and promote sustainable land management practices. The Green India Mission, launched as part of India's National Action Plan on Climate Change, aims to increase forest and tree cover, improve biodiversity, and enhance ecosystem services. These efforts not only contribute to carbon sequestration but also support rural livelihoods and biodiversity conservation.



5. International Climate Commitments: India has actively participated in international climate negotiations and committed to ambitious targets under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). As part of its nationally determined contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, India has pledged to reduce its emissions intensity by 33-35% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels and achieve 40% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.



United Nations' Global Agenda: Aligned with India's efforts, the United Nations has been advocating for global action to address climate change and promote sustainable development through various initiatives and agreements.





1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Adopted by UN member states in 2015, the 17 SDGs provide a comprehensive framework for achieving sustainable development by 2030. Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and Goal 13 (Climate Action) are particularly relevant to decarbonization efforts, emphasizing the importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources, reducing emissions, and building resilience to climate change impacts.





2. Paris Agreement: Signed in 2015, the Paris Agreement represents a landmark global commitment to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The agreement calls for nationally determined contributions (NDCs) from each country, outlining their targets and actions to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change.





3. UN Decade of Sustainable Energy for All (2014-2024): Launched in 2014, the UN Decade of Sustainable Energy for All aims to promote universal access to modern energy services, improve energy efficiency, and increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. By advancing sustainable energy solutions, the initiative contributes to poverty alleviation, health improvement, and environmental protection.