A low carbon future through sector led change
In India, a sector-led, action-based approach could provide the framework to drive low-carbon transformation.
In the build-up to the 'Leaders' climate summit organized by the united states this week (April 22-23), there has been a flurry of articles about whether India should announce a net-zero' emissions target, and by when. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate change (IPCC) 1.5°C report called for global carbon emissions to reach net-zero by 2050, which the pressure cooker of climate diplomacy has quickly transformed diplomacy has quickly transformed into a call for all countries to announce 2050 as the net-zero target year. Yet, global net-zero may require some countries to reach net-zero before 2050 for others to have some additional time. Since a disproportionate share of the carbon space has been used up by developed countries, they must act boldly at home, to match the vigor of their diplomatic efforts.
Nonetheless, as a climate-vulnerable country, India must also up its game to contribute to limiting global temperature rise ideally below 1.5°C. While doing so, it should not lose sight of the history of global climate negotiations and its own developmental needs. Though a large country and economy, we are still a very poor country with a significant development deficit. For example, our per-capita carbon emissions are less than half the world average.
What India must do
So, what is the way forward for India? Saying India will take only modest steps until richer countries do more is not viable in the context of a global climate crisis. Yet, announcing an Indian 2050 net-zero commitment risks taking on a much heavier burden of decarbonization than much wealthier countries, and could seriously compromise India’s development needs.
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