The Paris Agreement, which was adopted by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2015, aims to limit global warming to well below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. To achieve this goal, countries are required to submit their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) every five years.
Under the Paris Agreement, the NDCs are the primary means by which countries commit to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. These contributions lay out each country`s plans for reducing their emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change.
In India, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is responsible for preparing and submitting the country`s NDCs. The government has set a target of reducing India`s emissions intensity of its gross domestic product (GDP) by 33-35 percent by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.
To achieve this target, India has outlined a number of measures, including expanding renewable energy generation capacity, improving energy efficiency in all sectors, and promoting sustainable transport. The government also plans to enhance carbon sinks, such as forests and other vegetative cover, to absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Overall, India`s NDCs under the Paris Agreement reflect the country`s commitment to promoting sustainable development while addressing the urgent threat of climate change. It is worth noting that India`s NDCs are ambitious, given the country`s development needs, and the government will need to work closely with stakeholders to implement the necessary policies and programs to achieve these targets.
For aspirants preparing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam, it is important to have a good understanding of the Paris Agreement and the role of NDCs in achieving its goals. This knowledge will be particularly useful for those aspiring to work in the civil services and contribute to India`s efforts to combat climate change.
In conclusion, the NDCs under the Paris Agreement are critical to achieving global climate goals, and India`s contributions to this effort are ambitious and commendable. As we move towards a more sustainable and resilient future, it is crucial for policymakers, stakeholders, and the public to work together to ensure the successful implementation of these targets.