Downloads: 0 | Views: 131

Research Paper | Economics | India | Volume 11 Issue 9, September 2022

India's Journey towards an Emission Free Future

Mehak Khandelwal

Abstract: India is a fast developing economic power with a GDP growth rate of close to 9% in 2021. With a population of close to 1.4 billion, there is a fast and expanding appetite for sources of energy to fuel the economic activities associated with this growth and expansion. As the need for sources of energy grows so does the acknowledgement that the energy sector contributes majority of the total greenhouse gas emissions of the country. Despite the fact that the per capita energy consumption in India at 7063 KWH remains significantly lower than the world average of 20993 , it is essential for the country to work towards mitigating potential harm to the environment and the climate change impact. This becomes particularly important when one realises that it is essential that the Government increase the per capita energy consumption to ensure inclusive development of the country. Climate change a real concern facing the world today. International cooperation is essential to managing climate change and the potential risks of inaction and benefits of action extend far beyond the environment; global economies and security will suffer if countries do not take collaborative action towards minimising the impact of greenhouse emissions. The first part of the paper will look at the energy scenario in India in context of the commitment made in the Glasgow pact. The second part will look at a list of steps undertaken by the government and analyse effectiveness. Finally this paper will attempt to critically evaluate these steps towards their effectiveness in achieving the ambitious goals set by the Government.

Keywords: Sustainability, COP26, India, Emissions

Edition: Volume 11 Issue 9, September 2022,

Pages: 1081 - 1091