Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)

Syllabus
GS Paper III – Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

Context
The Net-Zero Tracker group, which evaluates global climate commitments, has found that with 93% of the world’s GDP now covered by net-zero targets, the planet is on a path towards achieving net-zero emissions.

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Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)

Introduction

The Net-Zero Tracker group, which evaluates global climate commitments, has revealed a significant milestone: 93% of the world’s GDP is now covered by net-zero targets. This extensive coverage indicates a robust global commitment towards achieving net-zero emissions, a critical step in combating climate change. With major economies aligning their policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the path to a sustainable future appears more attainable. However, the effectiveness of these commitments will depend on the implementation of concrete actions and transparent monitoring mechanisms to ensure that these ambitious targets translate into real-world environmental benefits.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)

• NDC: These are voluntary pledges by nations to cut their greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate climate change and fulfill the Paris Agreement.
• Commitments: These pledges were made under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) during the United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (UN Climate Action Summit).
• Periodic Reporting: Nations periodically disclose their strategies and advancements in reducing national greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Initially, updates were made every five years until the 2021 U.N. climate summit, COP26, in Glasgow.
  • Post-2021, updates will occur every couple of years.
  • The next set of NDC updates is scheduled for February 2025.
• Paris Agreement: Under the 2015 UNFCCC Paris Agreement, countries committed to collaborate in limiting global warming to within 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
• Voluntary Nature: The commitments within an NDC are voluntary, and countries face no legal repercussions if they do not meet their targets.
• Obligations: Nations are required under the Paris Agreement to track their progress and report any shortcomings.
• Global Stocktake: This is a crucial element of the Paris Agreement, used to monitor implementation and assess the collective progress towards the agreed objectives.

India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) commitments

Commitments	Old NDC	Updated NDC
Reduction in emission intensity of GDP below the 2005 level, by 2030	33-35%	45%
Non-fossil fuel-based energy out of Total Energy	40%	50%
Renewable Energy	500GW	500GW
Creation of Carbon Sink through additional forest and tree cover by 2030	2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2	Additional 1 billion tonnes
Achieving Net Zero	By 2070	By 2070

Importance of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)

• Mitigating Climate Change: NDCs play a crucial role in both reducing and adapting to climate change on a global scale.
• Global Emission Goals: The Paris Agreement establishes collective emission reduction targets, allowing each nation to determine its own path to achieve them.
• Policy Development: NDCs are instrumental in shaping a country’s environmental and economic policies.
• International Collaboration: NDC reports facilitate the alignment of climate policy actions among different countries.
• Progress Tracking: They enable the monitoring of both national and global progress in addressing climate change.
• Securing Funding: Nations with comprehensive NDCs that detail projects, policies, and financial needs are more likely to receive international climate financing.
• Addressing Policy Gaps: NDC reports can highlight any regression in climate-friendly policies.
• Global Participation: Over 170 countries met the recent NDC submission deadline ahead of COP26 in early 2021.

Individual’s role in achieving Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)

• Reduce Energy Consumption: Use energy-efficient appliances, switch to LED bulbs, and unplug devices when not in use. Consider installing solar panels if feasible.
• Sustainable Transportation: Opt for public transport, carpooling, biking, or walking instead of driving alone. If possible, switch to electric or hybrid vehicles.
• Waste Reduction: Practice recycling, composting, and reducing single-use plastics. Aim to buy products with minimal packaging and support brands that prioritize sustainability.
• Dietary Choices: Reduce meat consumption and opt for plant-based meals. Locally sourced and organic foods also have a lower carbon footprint.
• Support Renewable Energy: Choose green energy plans if available in your area. Advocate for renewable energy policies and support companies that invest in clean energy.
• Carbon Offsetting: Invest in carbon offset programs that fund projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gases, such as reforestation and renewable energy projects.
• Educate and Advocate: Raise awareness about climate change and advocate for policies that support the net-zero goal. Engage with community initiatives and support environmental NGOs.

Initiatives and Steps Taken Globally and in India to Meet NDCs

Global Initiatives

• Paris Agreement (2015):
  • Objective: Limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C.
  • Mechanism: Countries submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) every five years, outlining their climate action plans.
• Global Stocktake:
  • Purpose: Assess collective progress towards achieving the purpose of the Paris Agreement.
  • Outcome: Provides insights for countries to enhance their NDCs and align them with long-term goals.
• Net-Zero Targets:
  • Commitments: Many countries have set targets to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
  • Implementation: Includes transitioning to renewable energy, enhancing energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable practices.
• International Cooperation:
  • Initiatives: Collaborative efforts in areas such as renewable energy, forest conservation, and methane reduction.
  • Impact: Strengthens global climate action through shared technology and resources.

India’s Initiatives

• National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC):
  • Components: Eight missions focusing on solar energy, enhanced energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture, and more.
  • Goal: Integrate climate change strategies into national development planning².
• Updated NDCs (2022):
  • Targets: Reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 33-35% by 2030 from 2005 levels, achieve 40% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030.
  • Actions: Increase forest cover to create additional carbon sinks².
• Renewable Energy Expansion:
  • Commitment: Achieve 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022, with a further target of 500 GW by 2030.
  • Progress: Significant investments in solar and wind energy projects².
• Panchamrit Targets (COP26):
  • Five Key Goals: Increase non-fossil energy capacity to 500 GW, meet 50% of energy requirements from renewables, reduce total projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030, reduce carbon intensity of the economy by less than 45%, and achieve net-zero emissions by 2070².
• Afforestation and Reforestation:
  • Programs: Green India Mission, National Afforestation Programme.
  • Objective: Enhance carbon sequestration through increased forest and tree cover².

Challenges in Meeting Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)

• Coordination Issues: Establishing a clear mandate for coordinating actions related to NDCs and ensuring their implementation is challenging.
• Resource Constraints: Meeting NDC commitments demands substantial financial, material, and technological resources.
• Challenges for Developing Nations: Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and developing nations, despite their willingness, face significant disadvantages in achieving NDC targets.
• Insufficient Support from Developed Nations: Developed countries often show reluctance in providing the necessary financial and technical assistance to LDCs and developing countries.
• Reliance on Fossil Fuels: Many nations are heavily dependent on fossil fuels, making the transition to cleaner energy sources both technologically difficult and costly.
• Lack of Infrastructure: Developing countries frequently lack the essential infrastructure, such as power grids and transportation networks, needed to support renewable energy and other climate-friendly technologies.

Way forward

• Emission Reduction Targets: Reduce emissions by approximately 50% from 2005 levels within the next six years to meet the Paris Agreement objectives.
• Enhanced NDCs: Make the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) more comprehensive, ambitious, and credible.
• Sector-Specific Targets: Integrate emission reduction goals for major polluting sectors, such as energy and transportation, into the NDCs.
• Adaptation Strategies: Develop plans to adapt to a warmer climate, ensuring protection from increased flooding, heatwaves, and other climate extremes.
• Project Details and Job Creation: Include specifics of upcoming projects, strategies for job creation in clean technology sectors, and public health measures to address rising temperatures in the NDCs.
• Legal Binding of NDCs: Enshrine NDCs into national legislation, making climate commitments legally enforceable at the national level.
• Policy Reconciliation: Align national policies with the transition to clean energy, addressing issues like fossil fuel subsidies.
• Monitoring Progress: Establish mechanisms to track the country’s progress towards its NDC commitments.

Conclusion

With 93% of global GDP now covered by net-zero targets, the world is making significant strides towards a sustainable future. This widespread commitment reflects a growing recognition of the urgent need to address climate change. However, the journey to net zero is not without challenges. It requires robust, actionable plans and consistent efforts from all sectors of society. As nations and corporations align their strategies with these ambitious goals, the collective action taken today will pave the way for a greener, more resilient planet for future generations. The road to net zero is clear, but the path demands unwavering dedication and innovation.

Reference: TH

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Related PYQ

Should the pursuit of carbon credit and clean development mechanisms set up under UNFCCC be maintained even though there has been a massive slide in the value of carbon credit? Discuss with respect to India’s energy needs for economic growth. [UPSC CSE – 2014 Mains]

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Practice Question

With 93% of global GDP now covered by net-zero targets, the world is on the road to achieving net-zero emissions. Critically analyze the feasibility and challenges of these targets in the context of global economic and environmental sustainability. [250 words]

Guidelines to Answer

Introduction:

• Begin with a brief explanation of what net-zero targets are.
• Mention the significance of 93% of global GDP being covered by these targets.

Body:

• Feasibility of Net-Zero Targets:
  • Discuss the technological advancements and innovations that support achieving net-zero emissions.
  • Highlight the role of international agreements and policies, such as the Paris Agreement.
  • Mention the economic incentives and investments in renewable energy and sustainable practices.
• Challenges:
  • Economic Challenges:
    • Address the economic disparities between developed and developing nations.
    • Discuss the financial burden on economies heavily reliant on fossil fuels.
  • Technological Challenges:
    • Mention the limitations of current technologies and the need for further research and development.
  • Political and Social Challenges:
    • Discuss the political will and international cooperation required.
    • Address the social implications, including job losses in traditional energy sectors and the need for a just transition.
• Case Studies:
  • Provide examples of countries or regions that have made significant progress towards net-zero targets.
  • Mention any setbacks or failures and the lessons learned from them.

Conclusion:

• Summarize the key points discussed.
• Provide a balanced view on the feasibility of achieving net-zero targets.
• End with a forward-looking statement on the importance of continued global efforts and cooperation.

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