Despite representing 18% of the global population, India has contributed only 5% to the world’s warming. This contrast sheds light on the significant variations in per capita territorial greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across nations, said the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) in its Broken Record report.
VARIED PER CAPITA EMISSIONS COMPARING TERRITORIES
Per capita territorial GHG emissions reveal stark differences globally. The Russian Federation and the United States exhibit emissions over double the world average, while India’s per capita emissions remain under half of this average. Brazil, the European Union, and Indonesia align closely, slightly below the G20 average.
WARMING; TOP SEVEN GLOBAL EMITTERS AND THEIR COLLECTIVE INFLUENCE
The top seven global emitters, including Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, the European Union, the Russian Federation, and the United States, consistently dominate emissions. In 2021, these emitters, along with international transport, accounted for 65% of global emissions on a territorial basis.
G20 PROJECTIONS AND TRANSITION CHALLENGES PER CAPITA EMISSION PROJECTIONS AND TRANSITION HURDLES
Projections indicate that per capita emissions in G20 members like China, India, Mexico, the Russian Federation, and Turkey are expected to rise between 2015 and 2030, presenting challenges for both current unconditional Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and existing policies.
COAL DEPENDENCY AND TRANSITION CHALLENGES IN COAL-DEPENDENT NATIONS
Coal-dependent countries, notably China, India, and South Africa, face the daunting task of transitioning rapidly away from coal. This shift poses challenges such as replacing power stations at an unprecedented rate and potential risks of stranded assets, unemployment, and energy insecurity.
INDIA’S CLEAN ENERGY TRANSITION AMBITIOUS PLANS AND TRANSITION REQUIREMENTS
India’s ambitious clean energy transition plans involve increasing non-fossil fuel capacity to 65% in the power sector by 2030. However, achieving this goal requires addressing challenges such as transitioning away from coal, strengthening the electric grid, and decarbonising key industries like fertilizer, cement, and steel.
LINKING SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND CLIMATE MITIGATION POTENTIAL SYNERGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE PROGRESS
Exploring potential linkages between social development and climate mitigation, India aims to leverage electric public transit, efficient housing designs, and cooling solutions. Balancing the transition from coal with social and economic considerations becomes crucial.
India’s success in clean energy initiatives is hindered by its high dependence on solar photovoltaic (PV) imports, highlighting the need for localized manufacturing opportunities to ensure sustainable growth.