India's Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A Declining Trend?

India's greenhouse gas emissions fell by 7.93% in 2020 compared to 2019, while its GDP's emission intensity dropped 36% between 2005 and 2020. The country reports significant strides in reducing emissions and increasing non-fossil fuel power sources, aligning with its climate goals under the Paris Agreement.

India's efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions have borne fruit, as the country's emissions fell by 7.93% in 2020 compared to the previous year. Data submitted to the UN climate change office reveals a decline in the emission intensity of India's GDP by 36% from 2005 to 2020.

The fourth Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) shows total national emissions in 2020 at 2,959 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, excluding land use change. However, emissions are still up by 98.34% since 1994.

India is on track with its climate goals, aiming to reduce GDP emission intensity by 45% by 2030 and achieve 50% electric power capacity from non-fossil fuels. With a significant share of emissions arising from energy production, agriculture, and industry, India continues to decouple economic growth from emissions, seeking to maintain its development trajectory while addressing environmental concerns.

(With inputs from agencies.)