EMISSION INTENSITY REDUCED BY 33% SINCE 2005: GOVT REPORT

India reduced its GDP emission intensity by 33 per cent between 2005 and 2019, achieving the target 11 years in advance, according to a government report. Despite a steady 7% annual growth in GDP, the country’s emissions increased by only 4% per year in that timeframe. This indicates India’s success in disconnecting its economic expansion from the rise in greenhouse gas emissions, a positive step towards environmental sustainability.

During the ongoing climate discussions in Dubai, officials announced the forthcoming submission of ‘The Third National Communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’ report. This comprehensive document, set to be presented to the UN climate change body, encompasses vital details about a nation’s greenhouse gas emissions, its susceptibility to climate shifts, and the strategies implemented to combat emissions while adapting to the repercussions of climate change.

In a recent statement, Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav highlighted India’s environmental milestones, citing a significant 33% reduction in GDP emission intensity between 2005 and 2019. Impressively, India surpassed this target a remarkable 11 years ahead of schedule. Moreover, the nation established an additional carbon sink, absorbing 1.97 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent during this period. Despite these achievements, India’s overall emissions, accounting for the Land Use, LandUse Change, and Forestry sector, have shown a 4.56% increase compared to 2016 figures.

The emission intensity of the economy refers to the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted for every unit increase of gross domestic product (GDP). It is different from absolute emissions.