India Reports 7.93% Drop in CO₂ Emissions in 2020; Government Highlights Major Progress Toward Climate Goals

India recorded a 7.93% reduction in national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2020 compared to 2019, according to data from the country’s Fourth Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The findings were shared in the Lok Sabha today by Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh.

The ministry reported that India’s emissions in 2020 totaled 2,437 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent. The decline was primarily driven by reduced emissions from the energy sector (down 5.7%) and industrial processes and product use (down 9.5%) compared to the previous year.

The minister noted that India continues to make progress toward its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets under the Paris Agreement. The updated NDC, announced in 2022, aims to reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 45% from 2005 levels by 2030, ensure 50% of installed electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, and create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent through enhanced forest and tree cover.

As per BUR-4, India has already reduced emissions intensity of GDP by 36% between 2005 and 2020 and has reached the non-fossil fuel power capacity target five years ahead of schedule. The nation has also added 2.29 billion tonnes CO₂ equivalent in carbon sink capacity through forest and tree cover.

The government cited the Long-Term Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LT-LEDS), submitted to the UNFCCC in 2022, as the framework guiding progress toward net-zero emissions by 2070. The strategy focuses on key transitions in electricity, transport, urban development, industry, carbon removal technologies, forestry, and financial systems.

To accelerate renewable energy deployment, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) outlined multiple policy and investment measures including renewable purchase obligations, tariff-based competitive bidding, provision of 100% FDI, and major national programs such as PM-KUSUM, PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, the National Green Hydrogen Mission, and viability gap funding for offshore wind energy.

Transmission infrastructure upgrades including the Green Energy Corridor and long-term transmission planning up to 2030 have also been undertaken to support integration of large-scale renewable energy projects.

The minister highlighted ongoing initiatives in clean mobility, including the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020, the FAME scheme, the PLI program for EV and battery manufacturing, and reduced GST rates on EVs and charging equipment. Regulatory measures such as EV-exclusive green license plates and exemptions from permits and road tax have been implemented to boost adoption.

To support the emerging hydrogen economy, the government has approved four Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters and sanctioned 23 R&D projects under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The SIGHT program under the mission will provide financial incentives for green hydrogen production and domestic electrolyser manufacturing.

The minister stated that these combined efforts reflect India’s commitment to climate action based on equity, climate justice, and the principles of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC).