India is not only meeting but exceeding its key climate targets, presenting a significant opportunity to accelerate growth through clean energy and industry, according to UN climate change chief Simon Stiell.
In an email interview with PTI, Stiell highlighted India’s rapid strides in renewable energy and its potential to lead the global clean energy transition.
Climate Vulnerability and the Need for Resilience
Stiell pointed out that India’s vast population and diverse geography make it highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, including melting glaciers, extreme weather events, and food insecurity.
Given these risks, he stressed the importance of strengthening resilience across communities, infrastructure, and businesses. “The scale of India’s population and its geographical diversity make climate resilience a top priority,” he said, emphasizing the need for investments that protect people and economic assets from climate-related disruptions. However, he noted that India’s growing and increasingly skilled workforce is well-positioned to thrive in the clean energy and climate-resilient industries of the future.
India’s Renewable Energy Leadership
Calling India a “solar superpower,” Stiell praised the country’s record-breaking installation of 100 GW of solar energy and its efforts to electrify every village. He urged India to build on this momentum by adopting an ambitious climate strategy encompassing all sectors of the economy.
“India is delivering on its climate commitments while many nations are still making promises,” he remarked, encouraging India to take full advantage of the global clean energy boom to further drive economic growth, job creation, and better health outcomes.
Key Climate Targets and Achievements
India’s climate commitments, outlined in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted to the UN in 2022, include:
• Reducing GDP emission intensity by 45% by 2030 (compared to 2005 levels).
• Achieving 50% cumulative power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.
• Creating an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes through reforestation efforts by 2030.
Government data indicates significant progress: Between 2005 and 2020, India’s GDP emission intensity fell by 36%. As of December 2024, over 47% of the country’s power generation capacity comes from non-fossil fuel sources, and an additional carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent has been established.
India’s Path to a Green Economic Future
With its strong policy framework and rapid expansion of renewable energy, India is positioning itself as a global leader in the clean energy sector. Stiell emphasized that an even stronger embrace of this transition would not only enhance sustainability but also drive economic prosperity, making clean energy accessible to all and improving living standards for millions.
As the world looks toward more ambitious climate action, India’s progress serves as a model for balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.
