India’s greenhouse gas emissions increase since 2021

Sub :Env

Sec: Climate change

Context:

India’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have shown a consistent increase over the years, measured in megatonnes of CO2 equivalent per year (Mt CO2eq/yr).

GHG Emissions Growth (2014–2023)

In 2014: 3,270.4 Mt CO2eq/yr
In 2023: 4,133.6 Mt CO2eq/yr
Recent growth rates:
- 6% in 2023
- 5.9% in 2022
- 7.2% in 2021
India’s Share in Global GHG Emissions (2023):
- Share: 7.8%
- Global ranking:3rd (after China at 30.1% and the US at 11.3%)
Major Contributors to GHG Emissions (2023)
- Power Industry: 46.6%
- Industrial Combustion: 20.9%
- Transport Sector: 11.5%
Historical Emissions Growth (1990–2023):
- CO2 emissions from the power industry and transport sector increased 5 to 6 times compared to 1990 levels.

India’s Historical GHG Contribution:

Despite representing about 17% of the global population (1850–2019), India’s historical cumulative contribution to global GHG emissions is only 4%.
Per Capita GHG Emissions
2023: 2.9 CO2eq/cap/yr
2014: 2.5 CO2eq/cap/yr

Energy Sector’s Role in GHG Emissions:

Fossil Fuel Dependence:
- 88% of India’s primary energy consumption came from fossil fuels in 2022.
- 77% of total electricity generation was based on fossil fuels in 2022.
Renewable Energy: Solar and wind are also being utilized to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Carbon Emissions Increase (2013–2023)

From 2 Gigatonnes (Gt) in 2013 to 2.8 Gt in 2023, marking a 40% rise over the decade, as reported by the International Energy Agency (IEA).

Source: TH_BL