Sansad TV Perspective: Tackling Climate Change

In the series Sansad TV Perspective, we bring you an analysis of the discussion featured on the insightful programme ‘Perspective’ on Sansad TV, on various important topics affecting India and also the world. This analysis will help you immensely for the IAS exam, especially the mains exam, where a well-rounded understanding of topics is a prerequisite for writing answers that fetch good marks.

In this article, we feature the discussion on the topic: Tackling Climate Change

Anchor: Vishal Dahiya

Participants:

1. Prakash Javadekar – Member Parliament, Rajya Sabha.
2. R.R Rashmi – Distinguished Fellow, TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute).
3. Urmi Goswami – Senior Journalist.

Context – The Rajya Sabha took up a short discussion on the serious effects of global warming and the need for remedial steps to tackle it. The discussion was initiated by Tiruchi Siva of the DMK and he expressed concern over global warming. Mr. Siva said that India would be among the seven countries worst affected by climate change and had to prepare a remedial response for it. The GoI should take a holistic approach by coordinating across various ministries and bringing together agencies to tackle global warming. 

India’s Commitments –

• In 2015, India announced three major commitments called Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC):

1. 1. Improving the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33–35% by 2030 over 2005 levels,
   2. Increasing the share of non-fossil fuels-based electricity to 40% by 2030 and
   3. Enhancing its forest cover, thereby absorbing 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide.

• India at the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP26), 2021 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Glasgow, United Kingdom, expressed to intensify its climate action by presenting to the world five nectar elements (Panchamrit) of India’s climate action. This update to India’s existing NDC translates the ‘Panchamrit’ announced at COP 26 into enhanced climate targets. The update is also a step towards achieving India’s long-term goal of reaching net zero by 2070.
• As per updated NDCs, India aims to-
  • Reach a non-fossil energy capacity of 500 GW by 2030,
  • Meet 50% of its energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030,
  • Reduce total projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes,
  • Reduce the carbon intensity of the economy to less than 45% by 2030 and
  • Achieve net zero carbon emission by 2070.

What does net-zero emissions mean?

• Net zero emissions refer to achieving an overall balance between greenhouse gas emissions produced and greenhouse gas emissions taken out of the atmosphere. According to the United Nations, society must achieve “net zero” by 2050.
• The most feasible pathways to achieve net zero emissions include – 
  • Generate electricity without emissions using sources like wind energy, solar energy and water.
  • Using vehicles and equipment that are powered by electricity instead of fossil fuels.
  • Using energy more efficiently by way of smart technologies.
  • Removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere (carbon sequestration). 

Climate Finance 

• Many countries lack the financial resources to make the transition to clean energy and a sustainable way of life that could reverse climate change.
• Broadly speaking, climate finance relates to the money which needs to be spent on a whole range of activities which will contribute to slowing down climate change and which will help the world to reach the target of limiting global warming to an increase of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
• Initiatives that must be financed to reach net-zero, include those which reduce emissions of harmful gasses as well as enhancing or protecting the natural solutions which capture those gasses, like forests and the ocean.
• Significant financial resources, sound investments and a systematic global approach are needed to address climate change.

The Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022

• The Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022 was passed by the Rajya Sabha on December 12, 2022. The Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022 was introduced and passed in Lok Sabha in August 2022.

Highlights of the Act –

• Amends the Energy Conservation Act, 2001 to empower the central government to specify a carbon credit trading scheme. Carbon credit trading aims to reduce carbon emissions, and hence, address climate change.
• Designated consumers (industries, railways, etc.) may be required to meet a proportion of their energy needs from non-fossil sources.
• The Energy Conservation Code for buildings will also apply to office and residential buildings with a connected load of 100 kilowatts or above.
• Energy consumption standards may be specified for vehicles and ships.

Know more about the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022 in the link.

Read all the previous Sansad TV Perspective articles in the link.

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