Climate Change Policy of India: G20 Presidency and Climate Action

Abstract

One of the greatest challenges for humanity is how to address climate change, in a coordinated manner globally. Address this catastrophe requires a massive effort that needs to be undertaken now, not later. IPCC report suggests two step that would be necessary to avoid this disastrous trend of climate change, first, industrialized nations would have to reduce CO2 emissions by half by 2030, and second is to stop adding CO2 to atmosphere altogether by the early 2050s. So, the world needs to consciously uncouple from fossil fuel to more toward a low carbon future. Much of the intended transition far from fossil fuel depends on G20 countries, which accounts for 80% of global GDP, avails 75% of international trade, and collectively consume 85% of the world’s coal, oil, and natural gas annually. Recently, India has been ranked amongst top five countries in the world, and the best among the G20 countries, based on its Climate Change Performance. India jumps two spots higher, and is now ranked 8th as per Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), 2023 published by German Watch, New Climate Institute and Climate Action Network International based in Germany. The aggressive policies of India towards climate change, and rapid deployment of renewables and robust framework for energy efficiency programs have shown considerable impact. As per CCPI report, India is on track to meet its 2030 emission targets. Currently, India has hosting its presidency toward G20 meeting 2023, and it will be an opportune time to show the world, about its climate mitigation policies such as deployment of renewable sources of energy and other energy transition programmes. The top 10 rank globally reflects that India is implementing energy transition programmes such as renewable capacity installation at much faster rate than anywhere in the world.