India’s Recent Initiatives on Climate Change - ANSS ACADEMY

Highlights: India’s Recent Initiatives on Climate Change

1. Panchamrit Pledge (COP26, 2021)

   • Net-zero carbon emissions by 2070
   • 50% energy from renewable sources by 2030

2. LiFE Mission (2022) – Lifestyle for Environment

   • Launched by PM Narendra Modi and UNEP
   • Encourages sustainable lifestyle practices

3. Green Hydrogen Mission (2023)

   • Budget: ₹19,744 crore
   • Goal: To make India a global hub for green hydrogen production by 2030

4. National Solar Mission Expansion

   • Target of 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030
   • Promotion of solar parks, rooftop solar schemes

5. National Electric Mobility Mission

   • Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME-II)
   • Boosts e-vehicles and charging infrastructure

6. International Solar Alliance (ISA)

   • India-led global initiative for solar energy cooperation

7. Carbon Market Scheme (2023)

   • Launch of National Emission Trading Scheme (ETS)
   • Industries to trade carbon credits

8. Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI)

   • Focus on mangrove conservation and afforestation

9. Amrit Dharohar (2023)

   • Enhances the wetland ecosystem and biodiversity

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Detailed Notes: India’s Recent Initiatives on Climate Change

India, as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has taken significant and timely steps toward mitigating the impact of climate change. Over the past few years, India has transitioned from policy promises to implementation-based action. Here’s a detailed look at India’s recent major initiatives:

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1. Panchamrit (Five Nectar Elements) Commitment – COP26

Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow (2021), this forms India’s long-term roadmap:

• Reach 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030
• Meet 50% of energy requirements through renewables
• Reduce projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030
• Reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 45% from 2005 levels
• Achieve net-zero emissions by 2070

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2. LiFE Mission (Lifestyle for Environment) – 2022

India launched the LiFE Mission to encourage individuals to adopt eco-friendly lifestyles. The focus is on “pro-planet people” who practice mindful and deliberate consumption.

• Promotes water conservation, energy saving, waste reduction
• Aims to create a global mass movement for climate-conscious behavior
• Supported by UNEP and other international bodies

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3. National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023)

With a total outlay of ₹19,744 crore, this mission aims to:

• Develop India into a leading producer and exporter of green hydrogen
• Reduce dependence on fossil fuels and imported energy
• Produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen per annum by 2030
• Generate over 6 lakh jobs and reduce carbon emissions

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4. Solar Energy Expansion and the ISA

• The National Solar Mission is scaling up rapidly with new solar parks, PM-KUSUM scheme for farmers, and rooftop solar promotion.
• India co-founded the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to foster global cooperation in solar energy, particularly among tropical countries.

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5. FAME-II and Electric Mobility

To promote sustainable transportation:

• The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME-II) scheme supports:
  • Subsidies on electric vehicles (EVs)
  • Charging infrastructure in cities and highways
  • Promotes electric public transport (buses and three-wheelers)

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6. National Carbon Market & Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) – 2023

• India is working to establish a domestic carbon credit trading system
• Allows industries with low emissions to sell credits to high emitters
• Helps in achieving cost-effective decarbonization

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7. Mangrove and Wetland Conservation

• MISHTI Scheme launched in 2023 to:
  • Reforest mangrove belts in coastal states
  • Protect shoreline ecosystems and improve biodiversity
• Amrit Dharohar Initiative launched to:
  • Protect India’s wetlands and Ramsar sites
  • Promote eco-tourism and sustainable livelihood

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8. Renewable Energy Push

• India has installed over 180 GW of renewable energy as of 2024
• Strong investments in wind, solar, biomass, and small hydro projects
• Development of battery storage systems and smart grids

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9. Climate Finance and International Cooperation

• India has sought international support through climate financing, technology transfer, and partnerships with France, UK, USA, and Japan
• Hosted the G20 summit in 2023 where climate and green growth were central themes

Conclusion

India is moving from policy-based approaches to action-oriented implementation in its fight against climate change. Through renewable energy investments, clean hydrogen, electric mobility, and green lifestyle promotion, India is striving to balance development with environmental responsibility. These initiatives not only contribute to global climate goals but also open new paths for sustainable economic growth.