The Global Warming Challenge for India

Source: The post The Global Warming Challenge for India   has been created, based on the article “The global warming fight has a challenge for India ” published in “The Hindu” on 23rd December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS-3- Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment

Context: The article addresses the critical challenges India faces in the global fight against climate change. It reflects on the outcomes of the COP29 climate conference, highlighting the inadequacies in global climate commitments and the unique hurdles India must overcome to balance its developmental needs with environmental sustainability.

What was the outcome of COP29 in Azerbaijan?

1. The COP29 climate conference in Azerbaijan was disappointing.
2. The meeting coincided with a political transition in the U.S., contributing to a stalemate in climate negotiations.
3. Despite these challenges, global warming continues to accelerate, requiring urgent emission reductions.

What are the global targets for achieving net-zero emissions?

1. Developed countries: Target year 2050.
2. China: Target year 2060.
3. India: Target year 2070.

What are the two major developments impacting India’s transition timeline?

1. EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM):
   1. Effective from 2026.
   2. Imposes customs duties on imports unless exporting countries match the EU’s carbon tax levels.
2. Pressure for early emission peaking:
   1. G-7 Summits in Hiroshima and Apulia called for major economies to peak emissions by 2025.
   2. India faces increasing pressure to adopt an early peaking timeline.

What are India’s twin challenges in energy transition?

1. Electricity consumption gap:
   1. India’s electricity consumption is only one-third of the global average.
   2. The country needs more electricity to replace fossil fuels and sustain growth.
2. Compressed transition timeline:
   1. India cannot wait until 2070 due to international pressure for early peaking.

Note: Peaking: The point where emissions plateau before declining to net-zero. Early peaking limits energy growth, making the timeline crucial for future capacity-building.

What is India’s projected energy demand by 2070?

1. A study estimates a demand of 21,000 Terawatt hours (TWh).
2. By comparison:
   • India’s energy consumption in 2020 was 6,200 TWh.
   • The International Energy Agency predicts 3,400 TWh by 2040, which seems unrealistically low.

Which energy sources are viable for India’s transition?

Renewables vs. Nuclear:

1. Nuclear power is more cost-effective at ₹3.80/unit compared to renewables, which cost ₹4.95–₹7.50/unit.
2. The nuclear option also requires less land (1,83,565 sq.km vs. 4,12,033 sq.km for renewables).

What steps are required to ramp up nuclear energy in India?

1. Government support for large-scale investments.
2. Public-private partnerships, especially in hard-to-abate sectors.
3. Larger nuclear reactors (700 MW–1,000 MW) to meet demand.
4. Designating nuclear power as green energy to align with global standards.

What are the financial challenges in India’s energy transition?

1. COP29 commitments: Developed countries pledged $300 billion annually by 2035 against a $1.3 trillion demand.
2. Challenges:
   1. Most funding will be non-concessional, unsuitable for many developing nations.
   2. Green finance depends on tariff hikes and improved health of power distribution companies (DISCOMs).
   3. Political consensus is needed to sensitise the public to higher electricity tariffs.

 Why is equitable carbon space crucial for India?

1. The global carbon budget is likely to be exhausted within a decade.
2. Developed nations and China have already established their peaking levels, limiting future carbon availability for India.
3. India must establish its right to carbon space by rapidly expanding electricity generation and diversifying energy sources.