India submits its 4th Biennial Update Report to the United Nations Framework
India has recently submitted its Fourth Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This report, submitted on December 30, 2024, is a significant update to the Third National Communication (TNC). It provides a comprehensive overview of India’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for the year 2020, along with insights into the country’s national circumstances, mitigation actions, and the challenges it faces in addressing climate change.
The BUR-4 highlights India’s commitment to sustainable growth and its efforts to align economic development with meaningful climate action. Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, emphasized this commitment in a recent social media post. He noted that India is setting an example in sustainable growth, showcasing a significant reduction in GHG emissions intensity since 2005.
Key Findings of the BUR-4
The BUR-4 presents crucial data regarding India’s GHG emissions. In 2020, India achieved a 7.93% decrease in total GHG emissions compared to 2019. The total emissions, excluding Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF), amounted to 2,959 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. When including LULUCF, net emissions were recorded at 2,437 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
The energy sector was the largest contributor to emissions, accounting for 75.66% of the total. Other sectors included agriculture at 13.72%, Industrial Processes and Product Use at 8.06%, and Waste at 2.56%. Notably, India’s forest and tree cover played a vital role in carbon sequestration, absorbing approximately 522 million tonnes of CO2 in 2020. This figure represents a significant reduction of 22% in the country’s total carbon dioxide emissions for that year.
Progress Towards Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC)
India has made substantial progress in achieving its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) targets. The country has successfully decoupled economic growth from GHG emissions over the years. Between 2005 and 2020, India reduced its emission intensity of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 36%.
As of October 2024, non-fossil sources accounted for 46.52% of India’s installed electricity generation capacity. The total installed capacity of renewable power, including large hydropower, reached 203.22 GW. Excluding large hydro projects, the cumulative renewable power installed capacity increased significantly from 35 GW in March 2014 to 156.25 GW.
Additionally, India’s forest and tree cover has consistently grown, now covering 25.17% of the country’s total geographical area. From 2005 to 2021, India created an additional carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent, further demonstrating its commitment to climate action.
India’s Approach to Climate Change
Despite contributing minimally to historical emissions, India has taken proactive measures to combat climate change. The country’s approach is rooted in the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities, as outlined in the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement.
India’s actions reflect its developmental aspirations while addressing climate change. The BUR-4 underscores the need for finance, technology, and capacity-building to support these efforts. As India continues to navigate the challenges posed by climate change, its commitment to sustainable development remains steadfast.
For more detailed information, the full BUR-4 report can be accessed here.
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