India’s 4th Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), submitted on December 30, 2024, underscores the nation’s progress in meeting its climate commitments. The report updates the Third National Communication (TNC) and provides a comprehensive assessment of India’s national Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventory for 2020.
Key Highlights of BUR-4:
- Emissions Intensity of GDP:
- India’s GDP emissions intensity reduced by 36% between 2005 and 2020, demonstrating significant energy efficiency gains in economic activities. GDP emission intensity refers to the reduction in the GHG emissions per unit of economic output.
- India is on track to achieve its nationally determined contribution (NDC) of a 45% reduction in GDP emission intensity by 2030, as committed under the Paris Agreement.
- National GHG Emissions:
- In 2020, India’s total GHG emissions amounted to 2,959 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
- After accounting for absorption by forestry and land resources, net emissions were 2,437 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
- National emissions (including land use, land-use change, and forestry) saw a 7.93% reduction compared to 2019, reflecting progress despite challenges.
- Renewable Energy Progress:
- By October 2024, 46.52% of installed electricity generation capacity was from non-fossil sources.
- Total renewable power capacity (including large hydropower) reached 203.22 GW, with renewable capacity excluding large hydropower increasing 4.5 times from 35 GW in 2014 to 156.25 GW.
- Forest and Tree Cover:
- Forest and tree cover now constitute 25.17% of India’s geographical area.
- From 2005 to 2021, an additional carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent was created.
- Long-term Emission Trends:
- While total emissions have risen by 98.34% since 1994, the reductions in GDP emission intensity and increased absorption by natural resources reflect India’s commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.
About Biennial Update Reports (BURs):
BURs are mandated for non-Annex I Parties (developing nations) under the UNFCCC. These reports provide:
- Updates on national GHG inventories.
- Details on mitigation actions, support received, and specific climate commitments.
- Initial BURs were required by 2014, with subsequent reports submitted biennially.
