India’s Objective to cut Carbon Intensity 20-25% by 2020 – India’s objective is to cut carbon intensity by 20-25% by year 2020 as compared to the 2005 levels, the last main emitter to plight targets that could encourage chances of a breakthrough in next week’s global climate talks. By the carbon intensity, it has been intended the amount of carbon dioxide which is emitted for each unit of gross domestic product.
After the United States and China had declared their plans on lowering down of emissions, India has come under intense pressure to emerge targets ahead of UN December 7-18 talks in Copenhagen. Though, India’s modest targets may fail to strike rich countries like China, as these remain “legally non-binding”. Asia’s third-biggest economy and the world’s fourth largest emitter also denied committing itself to a date when its carbon emission will start decreasing.
India’s Environment Minister Mr. Jairam Ramesh stated to the parliament, putting down for the first time country’s negotiating position ahead of the Copenhagen talks that, “India can’t be like a frog in the well, India has to show leadership to its own people — we need to show action.” In addition he said, “We must be flexible without compromising our basic national interest. There is no question of India accepting a legally binding emission cut.”
Still by the carbon intensity objective, it means that India’s overall emissions will rise in coming near years, may be just not as fast as its rapid economic growth required to lift millions of its inhabitants out of poverty and impoverishment. According to Ramesh, India would consent international verification of its attempts to lower down emissions if those actions are affirmed by foreign technology and finance.
Like other developing countries, India too has long made any major emission cuts dependent on assist from developed countries, which it envisions as responsible for most of the problems related to global warming. Specifically, India is in a difficult situation as any adequate adjustment to make its industry green without outside financial back would be very expensive and will pinch its economic growth.
Green Economy – Many big developing countries like China and India were taking voluntary steps to inhibit the growth of their emissions, like enforcing energy efficiency standards and increased usage of renewable energy. Last year, India issued a national climate change policy and had taken pledge to raise its renewable energy sources and use them as a part of ambitious domestic actions to control emissions.
Although, cheap coal will remain as fundamental to India’s energy mix for minimum next 2 decades. The share of renewable’s in the country energy basket is approx. 8%. Ramesh told that, “About half of all new coal-fired power plants will use clean coal technology that would reduce emissions substantially.” Several experts have encouraged India’s move. In addition, director of Washington based Nature Conservancy said in a statement that, “It’s significant that India is prepared to put a number on the table.”
Besides all this, China has plans to cut its carbon intensity by 40-45% by 2020 from 2005 levels. The United States pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions roughly by 17% below 2005 levels by 2020, a drop of about 3% below the 1990 benchmark year used in UN treaties.
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