The global warming fight has a challenge for India
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)
Topic: GS1 – Geography – Climate Change, GS3 – Environment
Context
- COP29 Conference Focus: Addressed challenges in global climate negotiations.
- Political Shifts: Noted increasing urgency for environmental action.
- Emissions Reduction: Developed nations and the EU pushing for strict timelines.
- India’s Dilemma: Balancing economic growth with energy transition.
- Equity in Carbon Allocation: Essential for India’s developmental goals.
Disappointment at COP29
- Conference Outcome: COP29 in Azerbaijan did not achieve significant progress.
- Political Context: Transition in U.S. politics adds uncertainty to climate agreements.
- Global Warming: The urgency for emissions reductions is increasing.
- Emission Targets:
- Developed countries aim for net-zero by 2050.
- China targets net-zero by 2060.
- India aims for net-zero by 2070.
Factors Reducing Transition Time
- EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM): Effective from 2026, penalizes imports unless exporting countries align carbon taxes with EU standards.
- Emission Peaking Pressure: G-7 summits urged major economies, including India and China, to peak emissions by 2025.
Challenges for India
- Electricity Consumption: Currently one-third of the global average; significant growth needed to replace fossil fuels.
- Transition Costs: Higher costs and tighter timelines compared to developed countries.
- Peaking Year: India must establish a feasible peaking year, ideally following China’s 2030 target.
Ramp-Up in Electricity Generation
- Enforcement of Targets: Targets may be voluntary but will be enforced through tariffs and financing conditions.
- Future Demand: VIF estimates India’s minimum electricity demand at 21,000 TWh by 2070; IEA estimates 3,400 TWh by 2040.
Renewables vs. Nuclear Power
- Energy Sources: Renewables and nuclear are the only emission-free options.
- Cost Comparison:
- Renewables: ₹4.95–₹7.5 per unit (with storage).
- Nuclear: ₹3.80 per unit.
- Land Requirements:
- Renewables: $15.5 trillion cost and 4,12,033 sq.km land needed (double the surplus land).
- Nuclear: $11.2 trillion cost and 1,83,565 sq.km land needed.
Global Nuclear Initiatives
- Commitments: Over 20 countries, including the U.S., France, and Japan, aim to triple nuclear power by 2050.
- India’s Nuclear Share: Currently at 3%, requiring significant growth.
Financial and Policy Challenges
- Pledges from Developed Countries: $300 billion annually by 2035, significantly less than the $1.3 trillion demanded by developing nations.
- Green Finance: Dependent on tariff hikes and reforms in power distribution companies (DISCOMs).
- Public Consensus: Necessary to inform the public about increased tariffs.
Carbon Trading and Equity
- Carbon Trading Rules: Allow wealthier countries to buy entitlements from poorer nations, potentially disadvantaging developing economies.
- India’s Capacity: Must establish high-generation capacity to claim a fair share of the limited global carbon space.
- Peaking Levels: Developed nations and China have set their peaking levels, asserting claims over the remaining carbon budget.
Conclusion
- The COP29 conference highlighted significant challenges in global climate negotiations, particularly for developing countries like India, which must balance rising energy demands with emissions reduction commitments. While developed nations and China set ambitious targets, India faces higher costs and a compressed timeline for transitioning to clean energy.
- The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and calls for emissions peaking complicate India’s path forward. To secure equitable carbon space, India needs to enhance electricity generation through renewables and nuclear power, seek international financial support, and foster political consensus for necessary reforms. Addressing these challenges requires strong global cooperation and a commitment to equity in climate action.