India's 4th biennial update report highlights climate achievements

India has submitted its Fourth Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), outlining significant progress in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and advancing climate goals. The report, submitted on December 30, 2024, provides updated insights on India's national GHG inventory for 2020, mitigation actions, and the nation’s achievements in aligning economic growth with sustainable development. Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, emphasized India's leadership in sustainable growth, stating, “These achievements reflect Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of integrating economic progress with meaningful climate action.”  As of October 2024, non-fossil sources comprised 46.52% of India’s installed electricity generation capacity. Renewable energy capacity, including large hydropower, reached 203.22 GW, with installations growing 4.5 times since 2014.

India powers ahead in clean energy!

By Oct 2024, 46.52% of India’s installed electricity capacity is from non-fossil sources. Renewable power has surged and is now at 156.25 GW (excl. large hydro projects) & 203.22 GW (incl. large hydro projects).

— Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) January 1, 2025

According to information, The BUR-4 highlights a 7.93% reduction in India’s GHG emissions in 2020 compared to 2019, with net emissions, including Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF), at 2,437 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Forest and tree cover sequestered approximately 522 million tonnes of CO2 in 2020, offsetting 22% of the country’s total emissions. The energy sector accounted for 75.66% of emissions, followed by agriculture (13.72%), industrial processes (8.06%), and waste (2.56%).From 2005 to 2020, India’s emission intensity of GDP reduced by 36%, showcasing the country’s progress in decoupling economic growth from carbon emissions.
Meanwhile, India’s forest and tree cover, now at 25.17% of its geographical area, contributed to creating an additional carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent between 2005 and 2021. Despite its minimal historical contribution to global emissions, India continues to lead climate action, adhering to the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities under the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement.

(State Correspondent)