Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
( UPSC Prelims)
News Context
By December, India plans to release its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for the period up to 2035.
About Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC)
• Every Party involved in the Paris Agreement must create a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and revise it every five years.
• India initially submitted its NDC in 2015 and provided an update in 2022.
NDC: Quantitative Targets for 2030
Here is the paraphrased content with important terms highlighted in bold:
| Target Parameter | Previous NDC, 2015 | Updated NDC, 2022 | Progress |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decrease the emissions intensity of its GDP from the 2005 level. | 33 to 35% | 45% | Reduced by 36% between 2005 and 2020 |
| Total electric power capacity installed from non-fossil fuel energy sources. | 40% | 50% | Achieved • 51% (September 2025) |
| Develop additional carbon sinks through increased forest and tree cover. | 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO equivalent | Same as 2015 |
NOTE: In its updated NDC for 2022, India has incorporated a component of mass movement for ‘LIFE’ – ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ as a crucial element in achieving one of its Quantitative targets.
Other Related concepts
India’s Panchamrit: Announced at CoP26 in Glasgow
○ Aim to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.
○ Fulfill 50% of its energy needs through renewable energy by 2030.
○ Decrease total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes from now until 2030.
○ Lower the carbon intensity of the economy by 45% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels.
○ Attain net zero emissions by 2070.
India’s Long-Term Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LT-LCDC)
● LT-LDC is submitted to UNFCCC.
○ India’s submission in 2022 highlights the need for financial resources to establish renewable power plants, enhance the transmission grid, and implement energy storage systems, among other initiatives.