Prof. Chetan Singh Solanki’s column- It is India’s responsibility to show direction to the world. Pro. Chetan Singh Solanki’s column: It is the responsibility of India to show direction to the world

Pro. Chetan Singh Solanki Professor at IIT Bombay

If there is one undeniable truth, it is that global carbon emissions are increasing, which is driving global warming and accelerating climate change. Extreme heat, wildfires, melting ice caps and rising sea levels are now common, affecting every part of the world.

According to the Paris Agreement, all countries must reduce emissions to reduce these impacts. Developed countries have pledged to reduce emissions by about 45% by 2030, a challenging but important target. Developing countries like India have focused on reducing carbon intensity and have set a net-zero target for 2070.

Many countries have set ambitious net-zero targets. The EU, US and UK have set targets up to 2050 with strict interim targets. China, the world’s largest emitter, aims for 2060, while Japan, South Korea and Canada aim for 2050.

These targets reflect the urgent need to work within limited carbon budgets, to prevent exceeding warming thresholds. The two primary warming thresholds are 1.5 °C (this marks the beginning of irreversible climate change) and 2 °C, (above which changes become completely irreversible).

The most urgent goal for humanity is to limit warming to more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. In 2020, it was estimated that if global emissions were limited to 400 billion tonnes of CO2, there was a 63% chance of staying below 1.5 °C. But with emissions of 40 billion tons annually, this limit could be reached by 2030. The scope increases slightly for the 2 degree range. According to estimates, this is the time frame between 2045 and 2050. Feedback-loops beyond 2 degrees can go beyond human control.

Given these critical timelines, India’s 2070 net-zero target appears overdue. With 17% of the world’s population and being the third largest economy, India is also the third largest emitter.

If populous countries like India and China do not achieve net-zero before reaching 2 degrees, the entire world will have to suffer the consequences. Simply put, if India fails, humanity will fail.

India has the potential to lead by redefining economic growth with climate responsibility. India must adopt a new energy paradigm – one that limits energy consumption growth while maintaining economic growth.

We can do this by adopting energy conscience. India’s cultural respect for nature places it in a unique position to adopt sustainable habits in everyday life. This change will reaffirm India’s role as a world leader.

(These are the author’s own views)