India 4th largest emitter of CO2
Economic Times reported that while India is aiming high to meet its Paris Agreement pledge of reducing carbon intensity well ahead of time, latest data raises doubts over the government’s high ambitions. India has emerged as the fourth largest emitter of carbon-dioxide, with the toxic greenhouse gas’s emissions witnessing a 4% growth last year. The Global Carbon budget, released by the Global Carbon Project at the 24th session of the Conference of Parties , revealed that India emitted 2.5 billion tonne of CO2 last year. The report further stated that Indian emissions, which account for 7% of global emissions, will continue to increase, with a projected growth of 6.3% in 2018.
In the year 2015-16, the emission growth in the country was 4.5% which declined to 3.7% in 2016-17. The latest increase might prove to be an obstacle for the country in meeting its targets, say global experts. In its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), India has committed to reduce its emission intensity (per unit gross domestic product) by 33 to 35% by 2030 from 2005 levels.
With the emissions expected to grow at over 6% this year, experts feel that India’s emission target is not strong enough. “It is likely that India will meet its pledge but the increasing CO2 emissions reflect that the country’s pledge was too weak. If India is going to meet its pledge ahead of time, its first step should be strengthening it,” said Glen Peters, Research Director at Center for International Climate Research (CICERO), Norway.
While the other side of the argument can favour India’s target considering its large population, the country should not use it as an “excuse” and aim for less. Added Peters, “India definitely needs to do more to slow down the use of coal in electricity production and shifting the transport fleet to electric cars. Both these measures come with large reductions in air pollution.”
The thermal power sector, from which India draws nearly 79% of its power needs, is considered to be one of the most prominent sources of CO2 emissions. According to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) data for 2017-18, as much as 73% of electricity was generated from coal. Mr Nandikesh Sivalingam, from Greenpeace India said that "In order to meet its international commitments, India needs to start capping its coal consumption. Apart from this, enhancing efficiency measures is also needed. The priority should be transitioning to clean energy at a faster pace.”
Source : Economic Times