India pledges 33-35% cut in carbon emission intensity by 2030

 India has said it aims to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33-35% by 2030 from 2005 levels, and achieve 40% of its cumulative electric power of around 350GW installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources, mainly renewable power.

The statement comes ahead of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to be held in Paris in December 2015, where countries would try to forge a new global climate agreement based on “climate justice” and principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.

India has finally submitted its intended nationally determined contributions (INDCs). Around 196 countries are expected to submit their INDCs before the conference of parties under the UNFCCC.

India’s INDC builds on its Copenhagen pledge of 20-25% intensity reduction by 2020. India emphasized that successful implementation of INDC is contingent upon the means of implementation to be provided by developed countries, technology transfer and capacity building. It also estimates that at least $2.5 trillion (at 2014-15 prices) will be required for meeting India’s climate change actions between now and 2030.

While some experts welcomed India’s submissions stating that India’s climate action plan is far superior to ones proposed by the US and European Union (EU), others said it doesn’t fully capture the emissions it would avoid if it succeeds in meeting its renewable energy goals.

In its submission early Friday, India said the low carbon path to progress “will put forward and propagate a healthy and sustainable way of living based on traditions and values of conservation and moderation”. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has batted for climate justice and a sustainable way of living in the run-up to the climate change summit.

India promised to reduce the “emissions intensity of its GDP by 33-35 % by 2030 from 2005 level” and achieve about “40% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel based energy resources (mainly renewable like wind and solar power) by 2030” with the help of transfer of technology and low-cost international finance, including from the Green Climate Fund.