Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for 2035: What are the Targets, Progress and Challenges ?

Why in News ?

India’s climate strategy and targets, guided by equity and the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR-RC), are under focus as the country remains on track in several climate commitments while balancing growth and sustainability.

Background and Context

India’s climate commitments are framed under the Paris Agreement, through its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Key Guiding Principles :

• Equity in climate responsibility
• CBDR-RC principle
• Developmental needs
• Energy security

India’s Climate Targets

• Reduce emissions intensity of GDP
• Increase share of non-fossil fuel energy
• Expand forest and tree cover (carbon sink)

India is currently :

• On track or ahead in several parameters
• Balancing climate goals with economic growth

Main Pillars of India’s Climate Strategy

1. Institutional Framework

• Anchored in : National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
• Supported by : State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs)

2. National Missions under NAPCC

• Solar Mission
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Sustainable Habitat
• Water Mission
• Green India Mission

3. Implementation Through Flagship Schemes

• Jal Jeevan Mission
• National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture
• Sustainable Habitat initiatives
• MISHTI
• National Disaster Management Plan
• Soil Health Card Scheme
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana

4. People-Centric Approach

• Based on : Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE)
• Key initiatives : “Ek Ped Maa Ke Nam”
• Focus : Behavioural change and Mass participation

Significance of India’s Climate Strategy

1. Leadership of Global South

• India acts as voice of developing countries
• Emphasises Climate justice

2. Balancing Growth and Sustainability

• Simultaneously promotes: Industrial growth and Climate mitigation

3. Strategic Autonomy

• NDCs are Self-determined
• Align with National priorities

4. Inclusive Climate Action

• Focus on : Energy access and Affordable power

5. Global Climate Diplomacy

• Strengthens India’s position in International negotiations

Challenges and Concerns

1. Modest Targets Debate

• Critics argue : Targets may be less ambitious

2. Capacity vs Generation Gap

• Non-fossil capacity : ~52%
• Actual generation : ~25%
• Due to : Intermittency of renewables

3. Infrastructure Constraints

• Issues in Land acquisition and Transmission networks

4. Forest Cover Limitations

• Current : ~24.6%
• Target : 33% (National Forest Policy)

5. Global Inequities

• Developed nations: Rolling back commitments
• Issues like: Carbon border taxes

Way Forward

1. Strengthen Renewable Ecosystem

• Invest in : 
  • Grid infrastructure
  • Energy storage
  • Green hydrogen

2. Bridge Capacity-Generation Gap

• Promote : Hybrid energy systems
• Improve : Efficiency of renewables

3. Expand Carbon Sink

• Encourage : 
  • Agroforestry
  • Urban forestry
  • Community conservation

4. Mobilise Climate Finance

• Push for : International funding and Technology transfer
• Use : Green bonds

5. Policy and Institutional Reforms

• Streamline approvals
• Strengthen governance frameworks