Reducing CO2 Emissions in India’s Transport Sector by 2050: A High-Ambition Approach
Reducing CO2 Emissions in India’s Transport Sector by 2050: A High-Ambition Approach
Sub: Env
Sec: Climate Change
Why in News
A recent study conducted by the World Resources Institute (WRI) India reveals that India’s transport sector has the potential to reduce its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by up to 71% by 2050. This reduction can be achieved through high-ambition strategies focused on electrification, fuel economy improvements, and transitioning to cleaner modes of transport. This aligns with India’s larger goals, including achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
Overview of CO2 Emissions in the Transport Sector: India’s transport sector accounted for 14% of the country’s total energy-related CO2 emissions in 2020. The study emphasizes the need for a roadmap that targets emissions reductions in the transport sector to align with India’s long-term environmental objectives.
Business as Usual (BAU) Scenario: In the absence of high-ambition strategies, India’s transport sector is expected to remain largely dependent on fossil fuels until 2050.
71% Emissions Reduction: If high-ambition strategies are adopted across all three parameters (electrification, fuel economy, and modal shifts), India’s transport-related CO2 emissions could reduce by up to 71% by 2050 compared to a “business as usual” (BAU) scenario.
High-Ambition Strategies to Reduce Emissions: The study identifies three primary strategies for cutting CO2 emissions:
Electrification: Adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and electrification of transport infrastructure. EV adoption has an estimated abatement potential of. 121 metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent (MtCO2e) annually.
Fuel Economy Standards: Enhancing fuel efficiency across various vehicle categories.
Modal Shift to Cleaner Transport: Promoting shifts to cleaner transport modes such as public transportation and non-motorized forms of mobility.
Transport Emissions
CO2 emissions:
Global CO2 Emissions: Carbon dioxide accounts for nearly 76% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Major Source of CO2 Emissions: The burning of fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation is the largest single source of global CO2 emissions.
Top CO2 Emitters: China, the USA, and the India are among the largest CO2 emitters globally.
India’s CO2 Emissions Contribution: India is the third-largest emitter of CO2, contributing around 7% of global CO2 emissions.
Transport Sector: In 2020, India’s transport sector contributed 14% of the country’s total energy-related CO2 emissions.
Paris Agreement Target: The goal is to limit global warming to well below 2°C, requiring significant reductions in CO2 emissions by 2050.
India’s Net-Zero Target: India aims to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions by 2070.
Carbon Sequestration: Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing about 25-30% of the world’s CO2 emissions annually.
Per Capita CO2 Emissions: India’s per capita CO2 emissions are approximately 1.9 tonnes, significantly lower than the global average.
Global Carbon Budget: To stay within the 1.5°C global warming threshold, the remaining carbon budget is limited, requiring rapid reductions in CO2 emissions.
| The World Resources Institute was established in 1982 and has offices in over 60 countries, including India, Brazil, China, Indonesia, Mexico, and the United States. WRI’s work focuses on six areas: food, forests, water, energy, cities, and climate. WRI India was established in 2011 and is legally registered as the India Resources Trust. WRI India’s work focuses on building sustainable cities and a low carbon economy. WRI India works with local and national governments, businesses, and civil society to identify solutions that are economically and environmentally sound. |