Catastrophic warming is still on the cards

Catastrophic warming is still on the cards

Sub : Env

Sec :Climate change

Context:

• The United Nations warns that current national efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are insufficient to prevent catastrophic global warming.

Current Emissions Targets:

• Insufficient Reductions: Nationally determined contributions (NDCs) submitted by countries aim for only a 2.6% emissions cut from 2019 levels by 2030. Scientists say a 43% reduction is necessary to limit global warming to 1.5°C, per the Paris Agreement.

Rising Greenhouse Gas Levels:

• Record Highs: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported CO2 concentrations reached 420 ppm last year, rising by 11.4% over two decades.
• Worrying Trends: Feedback loops, like increased forest fires, are accelerating greenhouse gas levels. Carbon released from Canada’s recent record wildfire season alone surpassed annual emissions of many major countries.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs):

• NDCs are national climate action plans that countries submit under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate impacts.
• Requirements:
  • Must be submitted every 5 years
  • Should be progressively more ambitious
  • Must outline domestic mitigation measures

India’s NDCs:

1. Updated NDCs (2022):
   • Reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 from 2005 levels
   • Achieve about 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030
   • Create additional carbon sink of 5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through forest and tree cover by 2030
2. Key Implementation Strategies:
   • Promoting renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro)
   • Improving energy efficiency
   • Developing climate-resilient urban centers
   • Enhanced forest conservation
   • Sustainable transportation systems
   • Waste management initiatives
3. Major Programs Supporting NDCs:
   • National Solar Mission
   • National Smart Grid Mission
   • National Electric Mobility Mission Plan
   • Green India Mission
   • Energy Conservation Building Code
4. Progress and Achievements:
   • Already achieved 40% power capacity from non-fossil sources ahead of 2030 target
   • Significant expansion in renewable energy capacity
   • Implementation of energy efficiency programs
   • Progress in afforestation efforts
5. Challenges:
   • Financial resource mobilization
   • Technology transfer needs
   • Capacity building requirements
   • Balancing development with environmental goals
   • Infrastructure development needs
6. International Support:
   • Climate finance requirements
   • Technology transfer mechanisms
   • Capacity building assistance
   • International cooperation frameworks