In 2020, India reduced its GHG emissions by 7.93%, reflecting its commitment to climate action. This decline is detailed in India’s report to the UNFCCC. The Union Minister for Environment also stressed the importance of the Global South in climate discussions, urging developed nations to meet financial obligations and fostering cooperative climate strategies. India aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, underscoring its long-term climate goals.
In 2020, India successfully reduced its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 7.93%, demonstrating its dedication to climate action. Bhupender Yadav, the Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, made this statement during the World Sustainable Development Summit 2025. He highlighted the role of the Global South in shaping the climate agenda, with India positioned as a leader in this movement.
According to India’s fourth biennial report to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the country’s total GHG emissions declined by 7.93% from 2019 levels while showing a marked increase of 98.34% since 1994. This progress underscores India’s significant efforts to decouple economic growth from emissions, achieving a 36% reduction in emission intensity of gross domestic product (GDP) between 2005 and 2020.
Experts suggest the decline in GHG emissions for 2020 may also relate to the Covid-19 pandemic, which severely disrupted the economy and global supply chains, contributing to a contraction of 7.7% in the Indian economy during 2020-21. The government’s response included initiatives aimed at mitigating the pandemic’s economic impact and revitalizing growth.
Yadav articulated India’s commitment to inclusive and ambitious climate action. He emphasized the critical role of the Global South, which faces significant climate change impacts yet provides sustainable development solutions. He urged developed nations to fulfill their financial and technological commitments stipulated in the Paris Agreement and highlighted the need for enhanced international cooperation to strengthen Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
The Minister called for increased climate adaptation finance to support the most vulnerable regions in building resilience and protecting livelihoods. He laid out a long-term vision for India to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 and aspire for a Viksit Bharat by 2047, mentioning a 36% reduction in emission intensity against a 45% target for 2030. He stressed that comprehensive, unfragmented strategies are essential in combating climate change.
Yadav urged reforms in global governance, advocating for equity and justice to be central themes in climate negotiations to better support developing nations in the global climate discourse.
In conclusion, India’s 7.93% reduction in GHG emissions in 2020 exemplifies its commitment to tackling climate change, further highlighted by its ongoing efforts to decouple economic growth from emissions. The role of the Global South in shaping climate discourse is paramount, as is the need for developed countries to uphold their commitments. Looking ahead, India aims for a sustainable future with significant emission reduction targets and an emphasis on global cooperation and equity in climate actions.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
