All over the world, the idea of becoming net zero in emissions is taking root. Countries, both developed and developing, are taking positive steps towards reducing their emissions. These emissions play a huge role in atmospheric pollution and global warming. Climate change is becoming a real concern because of harmful emissions and global warming.

All countries have to take actual actions to reduce their emissions for a sustainable global future. As a responsible stakeholder in the global future, India also has to play its part in minimizing its emissions to zero. Moving towards a net zero emission future is all about bringing balance back into the atmosphere.

What is Net Zero Emissions?

When there is industrial and other human activities, a large amount of greenhouse gas emission occurs in the atmosphere. As a large and populous country, India's greenhouse gas emissions could be very high. It is impossible to stop the emission of greenhouse gases completely, but efforts can be made to nullify the greenhouse gases and balance out their effect on the atmosphere.

By removing the harmful compounds from the atmosphere and balancing out the greenhouse gas emissions, net zero emissions stabilize the atmosphere and improve the atmospheric conditions to reduce global temperatures. At a time when global temperatures are soaring, reducing emissions and achieving a state of net zero emissions is very important.

The achievement of net zero emissions takes the transition from renewable energy to non-renewable energy resources. The use of renewable energy resources can reduce greenhouse gases that are emitted from different sources. Renewable sources are cleaner and greener than fuels. Using carbon capture technologies and smart devices to reduce the impact of greenhouse gases is a step that India and other developing countries have to take. Let us know more about the different steps that India takes to reduce its emissions to a net zero state.

Steps to take towards a net zero emission future

There are many steps that the country plans to take for a future of net zero emissions. There have been many active steps towards reducing emissions and minimizing them to zero. As recent as the Glasgow conference of 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared some important steps planned for the future.

It is estimated that the country will reach its goal of 500 GW by 2030, a year that will mark the achievement of many sustainable development goals for India. India is also actively working towards harnessing its non-fossil fuels so that its renewable energy usage increases and the dependency on fossil fuels decreases.

The effect of greenhouse gases is reduced as the dependency on fossil fuels goes down. According to the pledges made by the Prime Minister, India will install 50 percent non-fossil fuel sources for power generation in the next five years. India is also tapping into new and advanced energy sources like green hydrogen energy, which brings down carbon emissions.

India has also adopted the PAT or the perform, achieve trade approach, which has prevented 92 million tonnes of CO2 emissions in the 1st and 2nd cycles. These steps in the present and future have the potential of reducing emissions to net zero for the country.

Have Countries Set Net-Zero Targets?

Nearly every country globally has set net-zero targets for their carbon and greenhouse gas emissions. Earth is a liveable planet, and countries worldwide are setting net zero emission targets to preserve its ability to support creatures. The net-zero emission targets are important as global temperatures have increased by 1.5 º c on average. Countries, businesses, and even people at individual levels are pledging to reduce their carbon emissions.

Apart from India, China, the USA, and countries of the EU have also set targets to achieve on the net zero emission front. It is important to note that more than 9000 companies and 1000 cities worldwide have joined the UN Race to Zero initiative to bring the world’s greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2030.

How Should Countries Align Their Short-term Emissions Minimisation goals with the Long-term carbon footprint reduction goals?

Many countries are focusing on bringing their greenhouse gas emissions closer to zero by 2030. The long-term carbon footprint reduction goals are set for 2050. The short-term goals should align with the long-term carbon footprint reduction goals. The short-term goals should be ambitious but realistic. The short-term goals should be focused on making policy decisions and implementing them. Long-term goals of carbon footprint reduction should be focused on corroborating the short-term results to create a long-term change in the old carbon footprints.

What are India’s long-term low-carbon development strategies?

India is making serious and impactful decisions to protect the environment and contribute to the Race to Zero emissions.

  • India aims to increase its renewable energy quotient by installing 50 percent of its renewable sources harnessing equipment by 2023. The increase in renewable energy harnessing will reduce greenhouse gas emissions to a great extent.

  • India also aims to increase energy efficiency in its multiple sectors, such as transportation, power and electricity, and industrial manufacturing. The energy efficiency steps will help reduce the overconsumption and waste of power and fuel in different sectors.

  • Another step that India is trying to take and has already taken is the switch to electric vehicles so that vehicular pollution and emissions are cut down to zero. There are indigenous and foreign EV plants in India today.

  • India aims to conserve and increase its forest cover and biodiversity to increase natural forest cover and minimize the effects of climate change. The conservation of forests and afforestation helps achieve net zero emissions and other developmental goals.

  • India is now trying to build its climate resilience with smart natural resource management strategies to reduce the effects of climate change. This not only helps in better resource allocation in a growing population but also helps in disaster management and emergencies.

Bottom Line for India

India has to lead the struggle against climate change and global warming. Global warming and climate change are phenomena that affect people and countries all around the world. To protect the future and present generations, immediate steps for net zero emissions and a cleaner environment are necessary. India is actively taking and implementing these decisions today.