Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh emphasized these initiatives in a written reply to the Lok Sabha, highlighting the government’s dedication to a greener future.

Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh said that India has made significant strides in addressing the multifaceted challenges of climate change, forest conservation, and air quality improvement. Singh said this in response to questions raised on the subject in the Lok Sabha on Monday.

He provided an in-depth look at the measures being undertaken by the country to balance development with environmental sustainability.

Forest Cover Trends and Climate Impact

The Forest Survey of India (FSI) has reported an increase of 1,540 sq km in the country’s forest cover since 2019, bringing the total to 713,789 sq km as per the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021. This growth is attributed to afforestation drives, conservation efforts, and restoration of degraded lands. While some states witnessed localized losses due to natural calamities and human activities, the national trend remains positive.

To further bolster forest management and tackle climate change, India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) outlines missions on renewable energy, water conservation, sustainable agriculture, and ecosystem preservation. The Green India Mission, a critical component of NAPCC, aims to enhance carbon sinks and protect biodiversity.

Transition to Renewable Energy

India is progressing toward its ambitious goal of sourcing 50 per cent of its electricity from non-fossil fuel-based energy by 2030. As of October 2024, the share of renewable and non-fossil energy stands at 46.52 per cent. This transition underscores India’s commitment to reducing dependence on coal and aligning with its climate goals under the Paris Agreement.

Indian Carbon Market

India has introduced the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) under the Energy Conservation Amendment Act, 2022, to incentivize greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions. The CCTS operates via compliance and offset mechanisms, enabling energy-intensive industries to trade carbon credits. The government has identified nine sectors, including steel, cement, and textiles, for inclusion in this market-based framework.

The Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) Scheme, launched in 2012, is transitioning into the CCTS to streamline efforts and avoid duplication of targets. A robust Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) framework has been established to ensure transparency and credibility in carbon credit trading.

Ground-Level Ozone Pollution

Ground-level ozone (O3), a secondary pollutant formed by atmospheric reactions involving oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), remains a pressing environmental issue. Key sources include vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and waste burning. The government has implemented several measures to curb these emissions, including:

• Introducing BS-VI-compliant vehicles, reducing NOx emissions significantly.
• Promoting electric mobility and cleaner fuels like CNG and LPG.
• Enforcing stricter industrial emission norms and banning biomass burning.

Additionally, under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), 130 non-attainment cities have developed specific action plans to address localized air pollution challenges. Measures like transitioning public transport to CNG or electric modes and phasing out older vehicles aim to reduce NOx levels.

Impacts and Mitigation of Ground-Level Ozone

Exposure to ground-level ozone poses severe health risks, including respiratory problems and permanent lung damage. To address this, the government monitors ozone levels as part of the National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP) and enforces compliance with ambient air quality standards set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

International Cooperation and Funding Challenges

India actively engages with global mechanisms under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to finance its climate initiatives. However, international funding remains limited. Despite this, India has effectively decoupled economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions, as highlighted in the Third National Communication (TNC) submitted to the UNFCCC in December 2023.

Looking Ahead

India’s integrated approach to tackling climate change involves strengthening forest conservation, expanding renewable energy, fostering carbon trading markets, and addressing urban air quality. These efforts are instrumental in meeting its climate commitments while fostering sustainable development.