Description

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context:

The new target for 2035 has been disclosed in the updated Nationally Determined Contribution, or NDC, that the US submitted to the UN Climate Change.

Details:

The 50-52 percent reductions that the US is aiming to achieve by 2030 on 2005 levels translates to barely 46 percent over 2019 levels. The United States has announced its emission reduction target for 2035, promising to reduce its emissions to 61-66 percent below 2005 levels by that time.

Aspect	United States (US)	India
Emission Reduction Targets	Aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50-52% below 2005 levels by 2030.	Aims to reduce GHG emissions intensity of GDP by 33-35% by 2030 from 2005 levels (updated to 45% in 2022).
Renewable Energy Goals	Targets achieving 100% carbon pollution-free electricity by 2035 and net-zero emissions economy-wide by 2050.	Targets achieving 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy sources by 2030.
Forests and Carbon Sequestration	Focuses on preserving existing forests and increasing carbon capture through technology and nature-based solutions.	Commits to creating an additional 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent carbon sink through forest and tree cover.
Energy Transition	Plans large-scale adoption of renewable energy, hydrogen, and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS).	Emphasizes expanding solar, wind, and other renewables through initiatives like PM-KUSUM and solar parks.
Investment Commitments	Plans to mobilize $11.4 billion annually in international climate finance by 2024 to support global efforts.	Relies on international financial and technical support to fully implement its climate goals.
Sectoral Focus	Targets decarbonizing power, transport, and industry sectors.	Focuses on energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and waste management.
Paris Agreement Updates	Rejoined the Paris Agreement in 2021 under President Biden after withdrawal during the Trump administration.	Strengthened NDC in 2022, including a focus on Life Mission (Lifestyle for Environment).
Adaptation Measures	Emphasizes climate resilience in infrastructure and disaster management.	Focuses on National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC) and water conservation through schemes like Jal Shakti Abhiyan.
Net-Zero Commitment	Net-zero emissions by 2050.	Net-zero emissions by 2070.
Technology and Innovation	Investment in green hydrogen, advanced nuclear energy, and electric vehicles.	Focus on solar innovation (e.g., International Solar Alliance) and scaling green hydrogen under the National Hydrogen Mission.
Equity and Justice	Includes a "Just Transition" framework to support workers and communities affected by the shift to clean energy.	Highlights the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) in climate action.

Which countries have set NDCs and why do they matter?

United Kingdom (UK): NDC target to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 81% compared to 1990 levels by 2035, in line with the 1.5°C target, and introduced Global Clean Power Alliance to Support Global Transitions.

Brazil: The NDC's goal is to reduce emissions by up to 67% compared to 2005 levels by 2035, emphasizing renewable energy, fighting inequality, and sustainable development as part of Brazil's future vision.

United Arab Emirates (UAE): Announced at COP29, its 2035 NDC targets a 47% reduction in emissions compared to 2019 levels, in line with its focus on ambitious climate action and hosting COP28.

Global Commitments: Countries, including the EU, Canada, and Mexico, have pledged NDCs to absolute economy-wide reductions in all GHGs and sectors, consistent with the 1.5°C and zero targets.

NDC Tracking: The World Resources Institute's Climate Watch platform launches an interactive tracker to track and analyze NDC updates, with all NDCs stored in the UNFCCC registry for transparency and accountability.

How carbon removal technologies can help?

The IPCC says that achieving net zero alone will require “substantial reductions in total fossil fuel consumption, minimal use of unreduced fossil fuels and the use of carbon capture and storage (CCS) in remaining fossil fuel systems; energy saving and efficiency; integration across the energy system'.

Innovations in CCS and carbon capture and utilization are needed to offset CO2 levels in the atmosphere and prevent future warming.

But scaling up "engineered" carbon dioxide removal technologies, including bioenergy with carbon capture and storage, direct airborne carbon capture and storage, and enhanced rock weathering, is also critical given the urgency.

READ ABOUT

NATIONALLY DETERMINED CONTRIBUTIONS

INDIA'S UPDATED NATIONALLY DETERMINED

India's Net-Zero Pledge & Global Climate Action Updates

CARBON CAPTURE UTILISATION TECHNOLOGIES

Source:

Indian Express

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Compare and contrast the United States’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) plan under the Paris Agreement with India’s NDC plan. How do these plans reflect the respective countries' climate change priorities and challenges? (250 words)