NEW DELHI: In the face of escalating
global warming
and climate change challenges, India has been both a participant and observer in the battle against climate change throughout 2023. Many countries have started recognising the threat and started taking measures to mitigate it. India also recognised the need for an eco-friendly transformation and took a few major steps.
The lessons learnt
With
COP28
, the issue of environment protection was in the forefront for all the participating countries.
Here's how India recognised the problem and the deficiencies in the policies and worked towards making the environment better in 2023.
- National Electricity plan (NEP) 2023: This plan is a systematic planning structure to forecast electricity demand and capacity. According to the Ministry of Power, NEP anticipates that the proportion of non-fossil-based capacity will rise to 57.4% by the conclusion of 2026-27 and is expected to further climb to 68.4% by the conclusion of 2031-32, up from approximately 42.5% as of April 2023.
- National Green Hydrogen Mission: As per the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, the mission was approved on January 4, 2023 with an outlay of Rs 19744 crore starting FY 2023-24 to FY 2029-30. The primary goal of the Mission is to position India as a worldwide centre for the production, utilisation, and export of Green Hydrogen and its by-products. The mission facilitates clean and green energy while being self reliant. It also aims at exports and building strategic partnerships for mutual benefits.
- G20 summit: India added a feather to its cap when it gave the G20 presidency for 2023. During the summit, several countries under the leadership of India committed to increasing renewable energy capacity by 2030 and to achieve carbon neutrality (the amount of co2 released being equal to the amount removed from the environment) by 2050. It also led to the New Delhi declaration which involves global cooperation in various aspects including sustainable development and managing greenhouse emissions.
- The Green Credits Programme (GCP): The programme was launched in October 2023. Green Credit can be seen as an incentive provided for activities that have impacted the environment in a positive manner. The green credits that can be earned for activities that were done apart from legal obligations could later be traded on a domestic platform. This is similar to the Carbon credits but inclusive of other environmental activities like clean air, water conservation etc.
- Environment (Protection) Sixth Amendment Rules, 2023: This amendment mainly focuses on industrial boilers and the different types fuels used in them and to find a more eco-friendly substitute.
- Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill 2023: This amendment was proposed and passed by Lok Sabha in July 2023 considering the aim of attaining carbon neutrality, eliminate the ambiguities and bring clarity about the applicability of the Act in various aspects including forest land, plantation in other non-forest areas etc and more involvement of the central government to protect the green cover of the country.
- COP28: At the 28th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP28), India remained committed to climate action and work on adopting renewable energy sources.
The lessons remained unlearnt
Despite recognising some problems, India still has a long way to go in certain areas to be considered as environment-friendly. While it took some major steps in 2023, it still needs to do more in accepting some problems.
- Dependence on fossil fuels: India is still heavily dependent on fossil fuels for energy and while it has started transforming to shift towards renewable sources but the pace and the intensity with no defined deadline raises questions for many.
- COP28 pledge: India chose not to sign the triple energy declaration at the COP28 summit. The declaration aimed at tripling the global installed capacity of renewable energy and thus increasing energy efficiency.
- Pollution: Delhi pollution in November 2023 became a topic of international discussion with concerns being raised at global level. In November, the national capital was covered in a thick blanket of smog for multiple days. While measures were taken at the time both by the centre and the state, many have asked for permanent measures saying that closing schools and raising awareness for a few days is not enough.
- Water crisis: The conditions of the rivers in India has been a major concern for the past few years. The 2019 Chennai water crisis when the whole city was almost out of water is also something that people can’t let go with warnings of a bigger water crisis looming.
- Extreme weather conditions: While many enjoy the rain and the pleasant weather, pouring at the wrong time of the year can cause problems especially in the agriculture sector with many crops being damaged or destroyed after getting water in the wrong amount at the wrong time. Similarly, extreme winter and the other extreme of rising temperatures every coming year is a major concern that needs to be addressed. According to a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) report, all states and UTs of India experienced extreme weather conditions. Also, 86% of the days in the first nine months of the year were affected by the extreme weather. 2,923 human lives have been lost, 1.84 million hectares of crop area have been affected, over 80,563 houses have been destroyed, and nearly 92,519 livestock have perished in the wake of these disasters owing to unpredictable weather phenomena, according to the report.
- The garbage disposal problem: The problem of garbage collection and garbage disposal is also a concern in the country. With many landfills operating in over-capacity, recycling infrastructure, garbage if finding ways to pollute the natural resources. According to multiple reports, India produces at least 62 million tonnes of waste in a year.
Thus, Climate change is a looming threat that is affecting the world and causing damage. While some nations are rising up to the challenge, some struggle to accept the harsh reality. India is also gradually taking up the challenge of environment sustenance and development, many are calling out the leaders for more robust and definitive action.
Article From:
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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