DMPQ- . Discuss the Indian government’s initiatives in recent years to deal with climate change.

India has continuously demonstrated its responsibility towards acknowledging the emerging threats from climate change and implementing the climate actions on the basis of the principles of Equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities for improving efficiency of the economy and its engines of growth. The major policies and plans include:

India under Paris Deal

India has pledged to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33 to 35 per cent below 2005 levels, to increase the share of non-fossil fuels-based electricity to 40 per cent and to enhance its forest cover which will absorb 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide by 2030.

National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)

NAPCC was launched in 2008, formulated in the backdrop of India’s voluntary commitment to reduce emission intensity of its GDP by 20 to 25 per cent by 2020 over 2005 levels. It was also meant to focus on key adaptation requirements and creation of scientific knowledge and preparedness for dealing with climate change.

Climate Change Action Programme (CCAP)

This programme has been launched in 2014 with the objective to build and support capacity at central and state levels, strengthening scientific and analytical capacity for climate.

National Adaptation Fund

National Adaptation Fund on Climate Change was established in 2015 to meet the cost of adaptation to climate change for the State and Union Territories that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.

India’s Second Biennial Update Report (BUR) submitted to UNFCCC in December 2018. The report shows that oEmission intensity of India’s GDP came down by 21% between 2005 & 2014 and its achievement of climate goal for pre-2020 period is on track.