"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
14 Aug 2023
In a remarkable feat, India has successfully reduced its greenhouse gas emissions rate by 33% since 2009, positioning itself on track to meet all of its current emissions targets. This significant milestone has been attributed to the country's increased focus on renewable energy production and the expansion of forest cover.
According to a report submitted to the UN's Convention on Climate Change, India has witnessed a substantial annual reduction of emissions, with a growth rate of 3% between 2016 and 2019, compared to a previous rate of 1.5% from 2014 to 2016. The nation's dedication to expanding forest cover has been instrumental in this achievement. The State of the Forest report indicated an increase of 2,000 square miles in forest and tree cover between 2017 and 2019, resulting in a carbon storage boost of 42.6 million tonnes in India's soils.
Renewable energy has also played a pivotal role in India's emissions reduction strategy. Recent estimates reveal that renewable sources accounted for 25.3% of the country's total power generation, alongside nuclear energy.
This success comes despite India's heavy reliance on coal for power generation. By showcasing the effectiveness of renewable energy utilization, and forest conservation, the government aims to avoid widespread decommissioning of coal-fired power plants, which could have severe economic repercussions.