India Achieves 36% Reduction in GHG Emission Intensity by 2020

India has reaffirmed its position as a global climate leader, reporting a 36% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emission intensity of its GDP between 2005 and 2020. This achievement, highlighted in India’s 4th Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) to the UNFCCC, underscores the country’s commitment to sustainable growth and climate action.

Emission Reduction Milestones

In 2020, India’s total GHG emissions were 7.93% lower than in 2019. Key contributors to emissions were:

• Energy sector: 75.66%
• Agriculture: 13.72%
• Industrial processes: 8.06%
• Waste management: 2.56%

Accelerating the Energy Transition

India is undergoing a rapid energy transformation, shifting toward non-fossil energy sources. By October 2024, renewable energy accounted for 46.52% of power generation capacity, up from 35 GW in 2014 to 156.25 GW in 2024.

Forests as Carbon Sinks

Natural carbon sinks—forests and tree cover—played a pivotal role, absorbing 522 million tonnes of CO2 in 2020, cutting overall CO2 emissions by 22%. Between 2005 and 2021, these natural assets created an additional carbon sink equivalent to 2.29 billion tonnes of CO2, now covering 25.17% of India’s land area.

Leadership in Climate Action

Bhupender Yadav, India’s Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, stated:

"India is leading by example in sustainable growth. As compared to 2005, India cut down its GHG emission intensity of GDP by 36% in 2020. These numbers reflect Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to aligning economic progress with meaningful climate action."

A Blueprint for Sustainable Growth

India’s achievements in emissions reduction, renewable energy expansion, and carbon sink development showcase its capacity to balance economic progress with environmental responsibility, setting a benchmark for global climate action.