Introduction:
Climate change is a global issue that poses a significant threat to the planet and its inhabitants. The changing climate patterns have led to an increase in extreme weather events, sea level rise, and loss of biodiversity, among other impacts. In recent years, India has been actively working to address the issue of climate change through various international fora and by implementing policies and initiatives to promote clean energy.
Policy towards Clean Energy:
India has set a target of installing 175 GW of renewable energy by 2022, which includes 100 GW of solar energy, 60 GW of wind energy, 10 GW of bioenergy, and 5 GW of small hydro power.
The government has also set a target of reducing the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33-35% by 2030 from 2005 levels.
India has also been actively participating in international agreements such as the Paris Agreement, under which it has pledged to reduce its emissions and increase its renewable energy capacity.
The Government of India has also launched several initiatives such as the National Solar Mission, National Wind Energy Mission and National Biofuels Policy to promote the use of clean energy.
Changing policy towards climate change:
India has been a party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) since its inception in 1992. In the early years, India's position on climate change was primarily focused on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, which recognized the historical responsibility of developed countries in causing climate change and the need for them to take the lead in reducing emissions.
In the 2015 Paris Agreement, India made a commitment to reduce its emissions intensity by 33-35% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels and to achieve 40% of its installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy sources.
In 2019, India submitted a new Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the UNFCCC, which included a new target of achieving 450 GW of installed renewable energy capacity by 2030.
India has also been actively engaging in international clean energy initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and the International Renewable Energy Agency.
India has also been taking domestic actions to shift towards clean energy, such as the launch of the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan and the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana to provide LPG connections to households.
Geopolitical considerations:
India's changing policy towards climate change is influenced by various geopolitical considerations such as energy security, economic development, and global leadership.
India's increasing dependence on imported fossil fuels has led to a focus on domestic clean energy production as a means of achieving energy security.
The shift towards clean energy also aligns with India's economic development goals, as it allows for greater energy access and job creation.
India's active engagement in international clean energy initiatives and its ambitious domestic actions have also elevated its position as a global leader in addressing climate change.
Geopolitical Impact:
India's increasing focus on clean energy and commitment to reducing emissions has led to a positive impact on its international standing.
It has also helped in strengthening its ties with other countries that are also working towards reducing their carbon footprint.
India's growing clean energy sector has also attracted foreign investment and technology transfer, which has helped in boosting the country's economy.
Example:
India's commitment to the International Solar Alliance (ISA), which aims to increase the use of solar energy in developing countries, has led to significant cooperation and collaborations with other member countries such as France and Japan.
India's participation in the Mission Innovation initiative, a global effort to accelerate clean energy research and development, has also led to collaborations with other member countries such as the United States and China.
Conclusion:
India's changing policy towards climate change in various international fora has led to an increased focus on clean energy and reduction of emissions. This has not only helped in addressing the issue of climate change but also in strengthening its position in global politics through collaborations and partnerships with other countries. However, there is still a long way to go as India is still one of the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, it still needs to take more aggressive steps to combat climate change.
