Indian Biennial Update Report
Kartavya Desk Staff
Syllabus: Environment
- •Source: IE*
Context: Recently, India submitted its Biennial Update Report (BUR-4), providing a detailed account of its greenhouse gas (GHG inventory), progress on targets, and measures to combat climate change.
What are Biennial Update Reports (BURs)?
BURs are reports submitted by developing countries to the UNFCCC, as per the obligations under the Paris Agreement. They include:
• National GHG Inventory: Detailed emission sources, sinks, and trends.
• Climate Action Plans: Updates on policies and programs to mitigate emissions.
• Support Received: Financial, technical, and capacity-building assistance.
• Socioeconomic and Forestry Data: Insights into national circumstances influencing emissions.
Highlights of India’s BUR-4:
• GHG Inventory for 2020: Total GHG emissions: 2,959 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Net GHG emissions (after forestry absorption): 2,437 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Emissions intensity of GDP reduced by 36% from 2005 levels.
• Total GHG emissions: 2,959 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
• Net GHG emissions (after forestry absorption): 2,437 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
• Emissions intensity of GDP reduced by 36% from 2005 levels.
• Sectoral Contributions to Emissions: Energy: 75.66% (Electricity production alone: 39%). Agriculture: 13.72%. Industry and Waste: 10.62%.
• Energy: 75.66% (Electricity production alone: 39%).
• Agriculture: 13.72%.
• Industry and Waste: 10.62%.
• Progress on Commitments: Emissions intensity reduction target of 45% by 2030 is on track. Non-fossil fuel-based power generation capacity: 46.52% as of 2024. Additional carbon sink creation: 2.29 billion tonnes CO2 equivalent (2005–2021).
• Emissions intensity reduction target of 45% by 2030 is on track.
• Non-fossil fuel-based power generation capacity: 46.52% as of 2024.
• Additional carbon sink creation: 2.29 billion tonnes CO2 equivalent (2005–2021).
• Energy Efficiency Schemes: Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT): Saved 7.72 Mtoe and reduced 28.74 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.
• Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT): Saved 7.72 Mtoe and reduced 28.74 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.
• Tech Needs for Growth: Highlighted needs for advanced technologies like ultra-efficient photovoltaics, floating wind turbines, and carbon capture for industrial sectors.
• Highlighted needs for advanced technologies like ultra-efficient photovoltaics, floating wind turbines, and carbon capture for industrial sectors.
India’s Climate Commitments and Status:
Commitment | Status
Reduce GDP emissions intensity by 45% by 2030 | Achieved 36% reduction (2005–2020)
50% installed power capacity from non-fossil fuels | Achieved 46.52% (as of October 2024)
Create 2.5–3 billion tonnes CO2 sink by 2030 | Created 2.29 billion tonnes (2005–2021)
Net-zero emissions by 2070 | On track with incremental progress in renewable adoption and energy savings.
Challenges in achieving commitments:
• Technology Barriers: Limited access to advanced, low-carbon technologies due to high costs and intellectual property restrictions.
• Financial Constraints: Insufficient funding for large-scale renewable energy projects and carbon sink initiatives.
• High Dependency on Fossil Fuels: Transitioning sectors like transportation and industries remains a significant challenge.
• Agricultural Emissions: Methane from livestock and rice cultivation continues to be a persistent issue.
• Urbanization and Population Growth: Increasing energy demand and waste generation strain existing resources.
Way Ahead:
• Strengthen Technology Transfer: Facilitate affordable access to advanced climate technologies.
• Expand Renewable Energy: Accelerate investments in solar, wind, and other non-fossil energy resources.
• Enhance Forest Cover: Implement robust afforestation programs to meet carbon sink targets.
• Promote Circular Economy: Encourage sustainable practices across industries and waste management.
• Collaborate Globally: Seek international support for finance, technology, and capacity-building.
Conclusion:
India’s BUR-4 underscores its progress toward climate goals, especially in reducing emissions intensity and transitioning to renewable energy. Despite challenges, a collaborative, technology-driven, and resource-efficient approach can help India achieve its commitments and inspire global climate action.
Insta Links:
• Climate-change-and-associated-issues
• Describe the major outcomes of the 26thsession of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (UPSC-2021)
• ‘Climate Change’ is a global problem. How will India be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India be affected by climate change? (UPSC-2017)