Our Solar Capacity has Risen 17 Times in 7 yrs: India at COP26

India informed the United Nations climate summit in Glasgow on Sunday that its solar energy capacity has expanded 17 times in the last seven years, and that while accounting for 17% of the global population, the country’s historical cumulative emissions are only 4%.

During the 11th Facilitative Sharing of Views (FSV) at the ongoing COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, India announced this while giving a presentation on its third Biennial Update Report (BUR). In February, the BUR was presented to the UNFCCC.

The discussion on India’s third BUR focused on the achievement of a 24 percent reduction in emission intensity of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) between 2005 and 2014, as well as a significant increase in its solar program. India’s Adviser/Scientist in the Ministry of Environment, J R Bhatt, addressed on behalf of the country, pointing out that despite having 17 percent of the world’s population, India’s history cumulative emissions are just 4%, and current annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are only about 5%.

“The fact that India is particularly vulnerable to climate change adds to this.” “However, India is pursuing a variety of mitigation measures throughout the entire economy and society, and has gradually continued to decouple its economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions,” Bhatt added.
In the previous seven years, India’s installed solar energy capacity has increased by 17 times, he noted, with total capacity now exceeding 45 gigawatts.

India’s efforts on the BUR and climate activities, particularly recent announcements of further measures, were lauded by all Parties. India’s multilateral attempts to tackle climate change, such as the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, were questioned (CDRI).
India responded by stating that disaster risk is rising in developing countries and that this is a step toward improving international collaboration, which is critical in these times. India’s response to the subject of increased forest cover was that people’s participation was critical in increasing forest cover and that its woods supply all four ecosystem services.

India emphasized that it speaks out on climate change from a position of strength and accountability. “In 2016, the LULUCF eliminated 15% of India’s total carbon dioxide emissions from the atmosphere” (Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry). “The forest and tree cover rose by 13,031 square kilometers and the mangrove cover increased by 235 square kilometers between 2015 and 2019.” According to India’s statement, “the populations of Asiatic lions, elephants, and rhinoceroses dramatically in the last 5 to 6 years.” “We emphasize India’s vulnerability to climate change, which many allies ignore in their haste to comprehend our mitigation efforts.

“To follow a sustainable path to development, India has taken several mitigation actions. No sector has been left untouched while planning and implementing climate mitigation actions. They span across the entire economy and society,” it added.