India ascends in global climate performance index

India’s significant rise to the 7th position in the Global Climate Performance Index reflects the country’s dedicated and effective actions in tackling climate change. The drastic reduction in carbon emissions has positioned India as a global leader in environmental governance.

According to a report released during the global climate conference (COP-28) in Dubai, India not only improved one rank from a year before, it also maintained its top 10 position for the fifth year in a row.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a series of impactful initiatives have been launched, steering the country towards a greener and more sustainable future.

Renewable Energy Expansion: Central to this ascent has been India’s aggressive investment in renewable energy sources. The government has significantly expanded solar and wind power capacities, reducing dependency on fossil fuels and cutting down greenhouse gas emissions.

This shift towards renewable energy is a cornerstone in India’s climate strategy, reflecting a commitment to sustainable energy generation. According to information provided by the government, a total of 72.02 GW Solar power capacity projects have been installed in the country, so far.

National Electric Mobility Mission Plan: Embracing electric mobility, India has taken bold steps under the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMP) 2020. It aims to achieve national fuel security by promoting hybrid and electric vehicles in the country.

There is an ambitious target to achieve 6-7 million sales of hybrid and electric vehicles every year and the government aims to provide fiscal and monetary incentives to kick start this nascent technology.

International Solar Alliance Leadership: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been pivotal in driving the International Solar Alliance (ISA), a global coalition aiming to harness solar energy effectively. By promoting solar technology in tropical countries, ISA is addressing both energy poverty and environmental concerns, marking a large milestone in global climate change mitigation.

The ISA, co-founded by India and France in 2015, aims to harness solar energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The alliance, primarily involving countries located between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, has grown steadily over the years.

Policies to Combat Climate Change: India has committed to reducing emissions intensity of its GDP by 45 percent by 2030. The updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) marks an important step towards achieving India’s long-term goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2070.

Prime Minister Modi’s policies have been instrumental in ensuring that India not only meets but, in many cases, surpasses its international commitments. These policies focus on both mitigation strategies to reduce the effects of climate change and adaptation measures to manage the impacts.

Green Infrastructure Development: The development of green infrastructure is another area where the government has excelled. Initiatives like smart cities and eco-friendly buildings are part of a larger plan to create sustainable urban environments that are resilient to climate-related challenges.

In addition to these, India’s reforestation and wildlife conservation efforts have contributed significantly to biodiversity and helped in carbon sequestration. These initiatives have contributed to maintaining overall ecological balance and reducing the impact of climate change.

India has also aligned with international climate agreements, notably the Paris Agreement, which offers a central position to achieving global climate goals.