Net Zero Emission

🌍 Understanding Net Zero: India’s Climate Goal for UPSC Aspirants

Climate change is affecting us today. We see it with rising sea levels, strong heat waves, unpredictable rains, and severe floods. To tackle this problem, nations worldwide have set a goal called Net Zero. This is a challenging but crucial mission for India as it tries to grow its economy sustainably.

This guide explains Net Zero, why it's important, how India aims to achieve it, and the obstacles that lie ahead. It is a useful resource for those preparing for UPSC and other competitive exams.

💪 What Does Net Zero Mean?

Net Zero is when the amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) put into the atmosphere equals the amount taken out. 

💡 Achieving Net Zero in Two Ways:

1. Reduce Emissions: Switch to renewable energy, use electric cars, and adopt eco-friendly farming methods.

2. Increase Absorption: Plant more trees, restore wetlands, and use technology to capture carbon.

Think of it like a bank account; you can only take out what you put in. Net Zero means keeping emissions in balance.

🌌 Why is Net Zero Important?

1. 🌡️ To Control Global Warming

The Paris Agreement aims to keep the global temperature rise under 1.5°C, and reaching Net Zero worldwide by mid-century is necessary.

2. 🌋 To Mitigate Climate Disasters

Net Zero can help slow down the occurrence of extreme weather events like heatwaves, storms, floods, and droughts.

3. 📉 To Safeguard India’s Economy

Sectors such as agriculture, fishing, tourism, and healthcare depend on stable climate conditions. Achieving Net Zero supports long-term stability.

4. 🏦 To Enhance Public Health

Reducing fossil fuel use decreases air pollution, which can save lives and cut healthcare costs.

5. 🌎 Improve Global Reputation & Diplomacy

Achieving Net Zero reflects India's role as a global leader and attracts green investments.

6. 🧑‍🌾 For Sustainable Agriculture

Practicing eco-friendly farming reduces methane emissions, maintains soil health, and ensures food security.

7. 🌿 To Protect Biodiversity

Net Zero is vital for preserving India’s rich wildlife and natural habitats.

🇮🇳 India's Net Zero Commitment

At COP26 (Glasgow, 2021), India pledged to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2070.

Panchamrit: India’s Five Goals

1. 500 GW of non-fossil energy by 2030

2. 50% of energy from renewable sources by 2030

3. Decrease emissions by 1 billion tons by 2030

4. Reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 45%

5. Achieve Net Zero by 2070

🌿 How India Plans to Achieve Net Zero

1. ⚡ Clean Energy Transition

• PM-KUSUM Scheme: Promotes solar pumps and solar energy adoption among farmers.

• Solar Parks Scheme: Development of large-scale solar power parks.

• International Solar Alliance: Collaboration with countries to promote solar power.

2. 🚗 Green Mobility

• FAME II: Encourages adoption of electric vehicles through subsidies and infrastructure development.

• Battery Swapping Policy: Allows quick battery replacement to encourage EV adoption.

• 20% Ethanol Blending by 2025: Reduces dependency on fossil fuels.

• Electrifying Public Transport: Transitioning buses and other public transport modes to electric.

3. 🏢 Industrial Emission Reduction

• Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme: Incentivizes industries to reduce energy consumption through tradable certificates.

• National Green Hydrogen Mission: Promotes the use of green hydrogen as an industrial fuel alternative.

• Circular Economy: Encourages recycling and reuse in industries.

4. 🌳 Increasing Carbon Sinks

• Green India Mission: Afforestation and ecological conservation efforts.

• Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA): Utilizes funds collected for forest restoration.

5. 🏙 Sustainable Urbanization

• Smart Cities Mission: Development of sustainable and technology-driven urban infrastructure.

• Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC): Promotes energy-efficient building construction.

6. 🌾 Promoting Sustainable Agriculture

• Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF): Promotes chemical-free agriculture.

• Millet Cultivation: Encouraging drought-resistant and nutritious crop production.

• Soil Health Card Scheme: Provides information to farmers on soil nutrient status and best practices.

⚠️ Challenges India Faces

1. 💩 Heavy Dependence on Fossil Fuels

Coal is responsible for about 70% of India’s electricity; transitioning to renewables is costly and complex.

2. 💸 Limited Finance and Technology Access

India needs more funding and advanced technologies to effectively cut carbon emissions.

3. 💼 Balancing Growth with Sustainability

Many people still lack access to energy, homes, and jobs. Balancing development with climate action is a significant challenge.

4. 🏣 Urban Growth and Overpopulation

Rapid urbanization increases emissions and deforestation, stressing natural resources.

5. 🔨 Policy Implementation Challenges

Different states have varying levels of policy enforcement, which can hinder progress on climate goals.

 📈 Key Points for UPSC Exams

• Prelims: Understand Net Zero definitions, international climate agreements, and India's commitments.
• Mains: Discuss the effects on the environment and economy in GS Paper 3, prepare essays.
• Use real-world examples like PM-KUSUM, FAME, Smart Cities, and the Green India Mission.

📆 Conclusion

Net Zero represents more than just a target for India; it’s a vision for transformation. A collective effort is needed across society to ensure a sustainable future.