India’s Commitment to Climate Action: A 2020 Emission Reduction Success

In 2020, India reduced its GHG emissions by 7.93%, as reported at the World Sustainable Development Summit 2025. This achievement showcases India’s commitment to climate action and its leadership role in the Global South. The Union budget and reports to UNFCCC outline targets and ongoing initiatives for long-term sustainability, including a vision for net-zero emissions by 2070 and increased adaptation finance.

In 2020, India achieved a significant reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, slashing them by 7.93%. Bhupender Yadav, the Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, announced this achievement at the World Sustainable Development Summit 2025, emphasizing India’s role as a leader in climate action.

India’s progress has been highlighted in its fourth biennial report to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which noted a reduction in total national GHG emissions by 7.93% from 2019 levels, although emissions had increased by 98.34% since 1994. The report also indicates that the country has successfully decoupled its economic growth from GHG emissions, with a 36% decrease in emission intensity of GDP from 2005 to 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been cited as a contributing factor to this decline in emissions, severely impacting the economy and leading to a contraction of 7.7% in 2020-21. In response to the pandemic, the Indian government implemented measures to revive economic growth while managing the crisis.

Minister Yadav reaffirmed India’s commitment to an inclusive and ambitious climate action agenda. He emphasized the importance of the Global South in the climate discourse, urging developed nations to fulfill their financial and technological commitments as part of the Paris Agreement. He called for enhanced international cooperation to address climate challenges through stronger Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Additionally, the Minister stressed the need for increased climate adaptation finance to assist the most vulnerable regions in building resilience. Yadav articulated India’s long-term vision for a developed nation by 2047, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2070. He highlighted significant progress, including a 36% reduction in GDP emission intensity and initiatives outlined in the Union Budget of 2025 aimed at energy security and green technology.

Finally, Yadav called for reforms in global governance, advocating for equity and justice as core principles in climate negotiations. He emphasized that a fragmented approach to tackling climate change will not suffice for effective outcomes.

In conclusion, India’s significant reduction of GHG emissions in 2020 underscores the nation’s ongoing commitment to climate action amid global challenges. By achieving a 7.93% decrease in emissions and targeting net-zero by 2070, India positions itself as a leader within the Global South. Furthermore, the emphasis on international collaboration, financial adaptation support, and equitable climate governance reflects the comprehensive approach necessary to address climate change effectively.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com