India’s new climate target or Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) signals modest progress and strong support for the Paris Agreement, despite external pressures and geopolitical challenges of a world in turmoil, says 350.org.
The climate group said that India’s new climate target may look modest and risks being undermined by planned oil and gas expansion, but the direction is clear. Expanding green energy is firmly in the economic self-interest of the world’s most populous country.
India already met its 2015 goal of 40% non-fossil power capacity nine years early, which now stands at around 52%. If recent history is any guide, India is likely to overachieve its new target of 60% installed non-fossil power capacity by 2035.
India’s NDC also commits to the following:
- 47% reduction in emissions intensity of its GDP by 2035 (vs. 2005)
- Creation of carbon sinks equivalent to 3.5–4.0 billion tonnes CO₂ by 2035 through forests and tree covers
Andreas Sieber, 350.org Head of Political Strategy, said:
“While some might say these targets don’t go far enough, we must acknowledge that this marks a decisive step forward. We can and should expect India, an emerging green tech power, to reach these targets early with its concrete plans on clean power and climate adaptation.
At a moment of global turmoil with real pressure from other administrations to slow down climate action, India is signalling that a green transition remains aligned with its development priorities. While these climate goals risk being undermined by fossil fuel expansion, they show strong support for the Paris Agreement.”
Media contact:
Ilang-Ilang Quijano, 350.org Media Campaigner, [email protected], +639175810934
Kim Bryan, 350.org Media Strategy and Relations Manager, [email protected], +447770881503