‘Step towards net-zero by 2070’: India on updated contribution to UNFCCC

New Delhi: India has submitted its updated Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, emphasising that it is a step forward towards its long-term goal of reaching net-zero by 2070. In a cover letter accompanying the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) document submitted to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on 23 August, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said India’s NDC does not bind it to any sector-specific mitigation action or obligation. On August 3, the Union Cabinet approved the country’s updated NDC, incorporating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Panchamrit’ (five nectar elements) strategy announced at the Glasgow conference last year into enhanced climate targets. According to the updated NDC, India now stands committed to reducing emissions intensity of its GDP by 45 per cent by 2030, from the 2005 level, and achieving about 50 per cent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030. To further a healthy and sustainable lifestyle, ‘LIFE Lifestyle for Environment’ has been added to India’s NDC as a key to combating climate change. “India reaffirms its commitment to the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. This update to India’s existing NDC is a step forward towards our long-term goal of reaching net-zero by 2070,” the updated NDC document read. India’s NDC is ambitious and a significant contribution towards achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. Environmentally sustainable, low-carbon initiatives are underpinning all key sectors of the Indian economy, it said. “India’s goal is to reduce overall emission intensity and improve energy efficiency of its economy over time and at the same time protect the vulnerable sectors of the economy and segments of our society,” Environment Minister Yadav said. NDC means national plans and pledges made by a country to meet the goal of maintaining global temperature increases to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, while aiming for 1.5 degrees Celsius to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. India had submitted its first NDC to the UNFCCC on October 2, 2015. Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.