This article has been written by Sourajit Roychowdhury, a diligent and aspiring legal scholar currently pursuing BA-LLB(H) course, at Amity University, Kolkata.
ABSTRACT –
This study reviews India’s progress towards the target of carbon neutrality in 2024, putting stress on the legal and regulatory framework underpinning the national climate commitments. Among other litterateurs contributed, the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world, India, has made tangible strides with policy reforms and physical action in many sectors. The study reviews India’s intravenous commitments in the form of Paris Agreement pledges and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) against the developmental environmental legislation and execution mechanisms. The study uses a mixed-methodological approach of doctrinal and empirical legal studies to review the effectiveness of existing environmental laws while determining the regulatory shortfalls that do impede India’s progress toward achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. The findings highlight the extent of a considerable increase in the development of renewable energy to 500 GW capacity by 2030, along with detailed green hydrogen policies and the introduction of carbon pricing mechanisms for industries. The study also examines challenges, including economic constraints, infrastructural limitations, and technology gaps that impact the effectiveness of the implementation. Finally, the study proposes recommendations to pursue a greater strengthening of the framework through policy reforms, public-private partnerships, technology innovations, and international cooperation while balancing the interests of maintaining rapid economic development on the one side and harmonizing interaction with environmental protection on the other. This study affords insight for policymakers, legal scholars, and other interested parties into the journey of India towards carbon neutrality.
Keywords:
- Carbon Neutrality
- Environmental Legislation
- Climate Policy Implementation
- Renewable Energy Transition
- Environmental Governance
INTRODUCTION –
India stands at a decisive crossroads in its quest for carbon neutrality and is expected to make significant progress on this front through deliberate policy reform and decisively concrete actions in the year 2024. As the third-largest greenhouse gas emitter, India’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, announced at COP26, is now being translated into actionable programs across multiple sectors. However, renewable energy is the sector to watch, given a rather ambitious target of 500 GW capacity by the year 2030, essentially arising out of solar and wind power projects. The government has acted to enhance its already widened policy framework by introducing the National Solar Mission and innovative hybrid solar wind power projects for maximizing the generation of clean energy.
These included substantial steps taken by India in the industrial arena through the adoption of a comprehensive green hydrogen policy and carbon pricing measures for heavy industries, as well as toughened energy efficiency standards and financial incentives to adopt clean technology. The other reforms, too, were no less impressive-studies show that with a robust EV policy framework[1], India is riding on the back of this extensive development of charging infrastructure to electrify public transport.
India still keeps its forest conservation and land-use management in sight with the focus of its Carbon neutrality strategy towards establishing additional carbon sinks through the processes of afforestation and reforestation. Urban forestry initiatives have now taken off, and they intend to improve the air quality in urban regions while sequestering the carbon. The renewables-in-progress saga has been encouraging in that it represents strong momentum, characterized by sharply falling costs and enhanced grid integration capacities, in addition to greater participation from the private sector.
To surmount these challenges, the country is forging international linkages in the guise of bilateral climate partnerships, technology transfer accords, and arrangements related to climate financing. In the journey to India becoming carbon-neutral, confronting issues is the need to strike the right balance between the needs of development and climate change affecting the policy implementation momentum in 2024. Successful execution will depend on lasting political commitment, continued international support, and proper policy execution-giving full attention to ensure that economic growth and social development are not hampered. The nation’s commitment to ushering in this transformation has catapulted it into an important group of actors driving global climate action all the while keeping its monitoring process aligned into the international community’s timeline.
RESEARCH OBJECTIVE:
This research is focused on an exploratory analysis which is to be made about the legal and regulatory systems functioning in tandem with supporting India’s made commitments towards carbon neutrality by 2024 with special reference to assessing the efficacy of prevalent environmental laws, policy implementation mechanisms, and enforcement regimes thereafter. This research envisages juxtaposing international climate commitments against national law, dissecting the legal viability of carbon emission reduction targets, finding gaps in regulation for a transition toward net-zero emissions for India, and providing models for legally feasible suggestions toward fortifying the existing framework for visioning success through balanced economic development and environmental protection.
METHODOLOGY:
The research is going to employ a mixed method, integrating doctrinal and empirical legal approaches. This will include primary research and a comprehensive analysis of relevant legislation, case precedents, policy documents, and regulatory guidelines related to India’s carbon neutrality and environmental protection. Some secondary sources will cover academic literature, international climate agreements, comparative legal frameworks from other jurisdictions, and policy papers. An empirical counsel investigation including structured interviews with legal experts, practitioners in environmental law, and policymakers will be carried out to solicit their input as to obstacles to the implementation and effectiveness of current legal mechanisms such as courts. A comparative analysis with similar legal frameworks in other developing nations shall be used to bring out best practices, along with possible reforms that can be carried out. Data shall be analyzed to determine the legal effectiveness of policies in practice, using qualitative and quantitative measures such as compliance rates, instances of active enforcement, and judicial interpretations of environmental law.
CARBON NEUTRALITY –
Carbon neutrality is the term used for the situation in which the emission of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and absorption from the atmosphere achieve an equal balance, thus providing a net carbon footprint of zero. The general approach to achieve it is to aim to reduce CO₂ emissions as much as possible, and finally, the remaining emissions are offset with activities that capture or reduce CO₂ emissions, such as reforestation, renewable energy projects, or through the buying of carbon credits.
Several businesses, organizations, and countries often aim for carbon neutrality as a part of broader climate change mitigation and compliance with international climate treaties such as the Paris Agreement. Carbon neutrality is also to be seen as a stepping stone in the quest for net-zero emissions since not only carbon emissions but those of all greenhouse gases, would need to be lowered.
INDIA’S INTERNATIONAL COMMITMENTS
India has made several international commitments to address climate change and promote sustainable development. These commitments are part of India’s broader efforts to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability. Here are the key elements:
- Paris Agreement (2015)
India on its part is a party to the Paris Agreement, an international legally binding treaty on climate change that focuses on keeping global average temperatures at well below 2°C and either aiming for or limiting warming to 1.5°C, concerning pre-industrial levels. Following its Nationally Determined Contributions[2] (NDCs), India has committed itself to: Reducing emissions intensity- By 2030, bringing down its emissions intensity based on GDP by 45 percent from 2005 levels. Increase renewable energy capacity- By 2030, Non-fossil fuel-based units should contribute 50 percent of installed electricity capacity. Enhance carbon sink- By 2030, increase the forest and tree cover to create an additional sink of 2.5-3 billion tons of CO₂ equivalent.
In 2021, India announced a target for reaching the net-zero goal by the year 2070.
- United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs)
India is likewise invested in UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)-that is, a set of 17 redoubling-globally constituted objectives whose end goal is conquering poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring prosperity for all by 2030. Pertinent goals include SDG 7-affordable and clean increasing access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services to increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. SDG 13-climate action-Implement climate policies and integrate climate change measures into national policies and strategies for increasing climate resilience and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. SDG 15-Life on Land-promote sustainable land management, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss, contributing a direct value towards India’s carbon sink goal.
Additional International Commitments
- The Kigali Amendment to Montreal Protocol[3]-India committed to phasing down HFCs, extremely potent greenhouse gases owing to their contribution to global warming.
- International Solar Alliance[4]: India co-founders ISA, a coalition of over 120 countries, to assist in mobilizing efforts and investments for large-scale solar energy projects to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
India’s proactive stance on these global accords manifests a positive equilibrium wherein the country showcases its commitment to balancing sustainable development efforts with the challenges posed by climate change.
INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL LEGAL FRAMEWORK
- PARIS AGREEMENT (2015) AND NATIONALLY DETERMINED CONTRIBUTIONS (NDCS)
The main premise of the international treaty adopted in 2015, called the Paris Agreement, is to ensure global warming does not rise above a certain level – well below 2°C and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Basically, the overall structure of this agreement has its core around global cooperation where the agreement itself expects that every signatory country would present its climate goals on its own account, or NDCs, also known as Nationally Determined Contributions. Unlike any previous accord, the Paris Agreement is a bottom-up flexible framework in which nations are expected to periodically report their emissions and increase their climate commitments progressively every five years by updating their NDCs. India, being a signatory, has promised certain definite NDCs that suit its broader developmental and environmental objectives. India’s key contributions would be to reduce its emissions intensity of its GDP by 45 percent compared with 2005 levels by 2030; ensure that at least 50 percent of its installed electric capacity, including solar/wind, as well as in new power capacity, was based on non-fossil fuel sources; and create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 – 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent by adding more forest and tree cover. The commitment made aligns with the net-zero emissions goal by 2070, which was announced in 2021.
Indian NDCs represent how this country balances economic necessity with environmental needs since the country is one of the fastest-growing economies and yet an economy where a larger population requires development for bettering living standards. These targets are being achieved in the country by increasing investments in renewable energy, where particularly solar power is emerging. India co-founded the International Solar Alliance to promote and bring solar energy into everyday usage throughout the world. The country is also engaged in many initiatives aimed at energy efficiency, saving on coal, and sustainable land use and reforestation
- UNITED NATIONS FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE (UNFCCC)
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an international environmental treaty established in 1992 to address the global threat of climate change. This framework was signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Its main objective is the stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. It is based on principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities, considering that developed countries have been responsible for the largest part of the problem over time and should take the lead in solving it.
The UNFCCC also offers a framework for the negotiation of specific agreements and action plans known as “protocols” or “agreements” to limit greenhouse gas emissions. Among the major key agreements are the Kyoto Protocol (1997) and the Paris Agreement (2015) under the UNFCCC. The Kyoto Protocol sets binding targets for emission reductions in the developed world, while the Paris Agreement calls upon all countries-including developed and developing-to bring forth their individual country’s climate goals, termed as Nationally Determined Contributions. Mechanisms on technology transfer, climate finance, and capacity building exist within the UNFCCC framework to facilitate the move forward of developing countries to achieve more on climate action. It runs the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to help fund the projects of developing countries and fosters technology sharing and knowledge transfer through various initiatives.
The UNFCCC also organizes another related structure known as the Annual Conference of the Parties. In the conference, the nation’s review their progress, negotiate commitments, and strengthen climate actions. COP26 adopted the Glasgow Climate Pact[5], for instance, which reinforced commitments to limiting warming to 1.5°C, while COP27 focused on financing mechanisms and adaptation.
- INDIA’S NATIONAL ACTION PLAN ON CLIMATE CHANGE (NAPCC, 2008)
The National Action Plan on Climate Change, launched by the Indian government in 2008, is a comprehensive policy framework for promoting sustainable development while meeting the challenges posed by climate change. It incorporates eight national missions with eight focus areas:
- National Solar Mission: It focuses on developing and using solar energy to meet growing demands sustainably.
- National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency: Improving energy efficiency in industry, infrastructure, and appliances.
- National Mission on Sustainable Habitat: Focuses on urban sustainability, energy-efficient buildings, waste management, and public transport systems.
- National Water Mission: Conserves water resources, improves water efficiency and provides accessibility to water.
- National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem: To be in a position to safeguard the resources of the Himalayan ecosystem.
- National Mission for a Green India: Expands forest cover to act as a carbon sink.
- National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture – Supports adaptation in agriculture to withstand climate variability.
- National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change – Promotes climate research, education, and data-sharing.
The holistic approach of NAPCC is very well integrated with the development goals of India, such as the reduction of greenhouse gases by promoting clean energy, conservation, and climate resilience across all sectors.
- RELEVANT INDIAN LAWS AND POLICIES
- Environment Protection Act (1986): Enacted after the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, this umbrella legislation grants the central government broad powers to protect and improve environmental quality. It covers air, water, and land pollution, hazardous substances, and environmental standards, enabling authorities to take direct action against violators.
- Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act (1981) & Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act (1974): These acts regulate pollution levels in air and water. They establish Pollution Control Boards at the state and central levels to monitor and control emissions and effluents, ensuring compliance with quality standards to protect public health and the environment.
- Forest Conservation Act (1980): This act regulates the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes and aims to curb deforestation. It mandates that any forest land diverted for development must have an approved alternative site or compensatory afforestation, ensuring minimal loss of green cover.
- National Green Tribunal Act (2010): This act established the National Green Tribunal[6] (NGT), a specialized judicial body handling environmental cases to provide quick and effective legal remedies. The NGT helps in reducing the backlog of environmental cases and imposes strict penalties for environmental damage, thereby enforcing accountability.
- Wildlife Protection Act (1972): This act protects India’s biodiversity by prohibiting the hunting of endangered species, regulating trade in wildlife products, and establishing protected areas like sanctuaries and national parks. It plays a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, safeguarding habitats against human encroachment.
- Energy Conservation Act (2001): Managed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), this act promotes energy efficiency across sectors by setting standards, introducing labeling programs for appliances, and providing incentives for energy-efficient technologies. It helps in reducing emissions from the energy sector.
- National Forest Policy (1988) and National Environment Policy (2006): The National Forest Policy promotes sustainable management of forest resources and aims to increase forest cover to 33% of India’s total land area. The National Environment Policy provides a framework for integrating environmental considerations into economic and social development, emphasizing sustainable natural resource use and environmental governance.
These laws and policies collectively work to mitigate pollution, conserve biodiversity, encourage energy efficiency, and ensure sustainable development, supporting India’s climate action targets and environmental commitments.
INDIA’S PROGRESS TOWARD CARBON NEUTRALITY
- Renewable Energy Development (Solar, Wind, and Hydro): India has taken significant strides in renewable energy development toward 500 GW of installed capacity by 2030. Some of the prominent programs include the National Solar Mission supporting large-scale solar projects and parks and wind energy policies supporting land and offtake construction. Hydropower remains integral to the Indian energy mix-in storage and grid stabilization.
- Energy Efficiency Programs: “India pursues the set targets for energy efficiency under the Energy Conservation Act through the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)[7]. Other programs include UJALA, which has enabled millions of LED bulbs; and schemes like PAT that incentivize industrial energy efficiency. Furthermore, smart grids are being implemented to strengthen the grid, reduce line losses, and encourage renewable power.”
- Green Transport: The Indian transport sector is moving towards greener options through Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles, also known as FAME. There is an investment in public transport through metro rail projects and clean-fuel buses. Incentives are offered in the form of support to EV infrastructure, such as charging stations.
- Carbon pricing and Emissions trading: India has experimented with carbon pricing and market-based mechanisms such as the PAT scheme that features a bit of emissions trading on energy efficiency. It can initiate a more formal emissions trading system in line with the carbon price practices globally that promote low-carbon investment.
POLICY CHANGES AND INITIATIVES IN 2024
India also undertook key policy reforms and measures in 2024, reinforcing its commitment to carbon neutrality and environmental sustainability. Key updates in India’s Nationally Determined Contributions reflect increased ambition in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and expanding renewable energy targets. India now hopes to cut the carbon intensity of its emissions 50 percent below 2005 levels by 2030, increase the share of renewable sources of energy to 60 percent of the total power generation, and become carbon neutral by 2070. All these updates in keeping with global climate goals reflect India’s commitment to a greener economy of resilience.
To aid in this transition, new policies and financial instruments have been initiated. Among the policies launched is the carbon tax that targets the highest emitters, industries with the largest carbon footprint, and green bonds [8]to attract private and international capital to climate-friendly projects, particularly renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure. These financial tools form part of India’s strategy in mobilizing resources for large-scale environmental projects.
Sector-specific efforts have also been highlighted. In the industrial sector, the PAT scheme[9] has been extended to cover more sectors with tightened energy efficiency standards for those high-emitting sectors such as cement, steel, and aluminium. The agricultural sector has new initiatives that will introduce climate-resilient crops and other sustainable farm practices to decrease methane emissions and water conservation. Better waste management policies under the Swachh Bharat Mission mainly drive the improvement of sanitation through better segregation, higher recycling rates, and more reliance on landfills.
More roles are being played by the state governments and local authorities in implementing these goals. Many states have established state-specific climate action plans aligned with national targets, giving preference to regionally relevant actions such as afforestation, water conservation, and green transportation projects. Municipal bodies are focusing on climate adaptation projects, including urban green spaces, flood-resilient infrastructure, and public awareness campaigns that promote sustainable practices at the local level.
These 2024 initiatives are truly reflective of the all-inclusive approach of India toward achieving carbon neutrality, balancing national targets with region-specific needs, and contributing toward sustaining economic growth through sustainable development. The newly introduced policies, sectoral programs, and enhanced role of state and local governments indeed represent a robust multi-tiered approach toward climate action and lay a strong foundation for India’s strides toward climate commitments.
CHALLENGES AND LIMITATIONS
India’s journey toward carbon neutrality faces several challenges and limitations that hinder the effectiveness of its climate initiatives.
- Economic Constraints and Development Priorities:
India is a developing nation with pressing economic and social challenges, including poverty alleviation, job creation, and infrastructure development. Balancing these priorities with the need for sustainable practices can be difficult. The financial resources required for transitioning to a low-carbon economy are substantial, and there is often competition for funds between developmental projects and environmental initiatives. This situation complicates the implementation of ambitious climate policies, as investments in renewable energy and green technologies may be deprioritized in favor of immediate developmental needs.
- Energy Security and Fossil Fuel Dependence:
Despite its renewable energy ambitions, India remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels, particularly coal, for electricity generation. This dependence poses a challenge to achieving carbon neutrality, as transitioning to cleaner energy sources requires time, investment, and infrastructure development. Energy security concerns also complicate the shift, as a sudden move away from fossil fuels could lead to energy shortages and economic instability. The government must navigate the complex energy landscape to ensure a reliable and affordable energy supply while reducing emissions.
- Infrastructure and Technology Gaps:
India’s existing infrastructure often lacks the necessary technology and capacity to support the transition to renewable energy and sustainable practices. The power grid, for instance, needs significant upgrades to accommodate the variable nature of renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Additionally, technology gaps in areas like energy storage, smart grid development[10], and efficient public transport systems can hinder progress. Investments in research and development, along with international collaboration, are essential to bridge these gaps.
- Public Awareness and Behavioural Change:
Achieving carbon neutrality also requires significant public awareness and behavioural change. Many citizens may not fully understand the importance of climate action or the need for sustainable practices in their daily lives. Resistance to change can occur due to cultural habits, lack of access to information, and the perceived cost of adopting greener technologies. Effective communication and education campaigns are crucial to fostering a culture of sustainability and encouraging individual actions that contribute to national goals.
Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach, combining economic incentives, technological advancements, and public engagement to create a supportive environment for climate initiatives. Balancing developmental goals with environmental sustainability is critical for India’s long-term success in achieving its carbon neutrality targets.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
To effectively implement India’s climate goals and advance towards carbon neutrality, a multifaceted approach is necessary. Here are some key recommendations:
- Policy and Regulatory Reforms:
India should enhance its existing policies and create new regulatory frameworks that incentivize sustainable practices. Streamlining regulations to facilitate renewable energy projects, such as simplifying approval processes and reducing bureaucratic hurdles, can encourage investments in clean energy. Implementing a carbon pricing mechanism can also drive industries to reduce emissions. Additionally, creating clear and enforceable standards for energy efficiency across sectors will help ensure compliance and accountability.
- Public-Private Partnerships and Financing Mechanisms:
Encouraging public-private partnerships (PPPs) is crucial for mobilizing resources and expertise in climate initiatives. The government can establish frameworks that attract private investments in renewable energy, infrastructure projects, and sustainable technologies. Developing innovative financing mechanisms, such as green bonds and climate-focused investment funds, can facilitate capital flow into environmentally friendly projects. Providing incentives like tax breaks or subsidies for businesses that adopt sustainable practices can further stimulate private sector engagement.
- Technological Innovation and R&D:
Investing in research and development (R&D) is essential for advancing technologies that support the transition to a low-carbon economy. The government should prioritize funding for R&D in renewable energy, energy storage, smart grids, and sustainable agriculture. Collaborating with academic institutions, startups, and industries can foster innovation and expedite the development of cost-effective technologies. Promoting knowledge sharing and technology transfer from developed countries can also accelerate India’s technological advancement.
- International Cooperation and Climate Diplomacy:
Strengthening international cooperation is vital for addressing global climate challenges. India should actively participate in global climate forums and initiatives to enhance its diplomatic relationships and share best practices. Collaborating with other countries on technology transfer, research partnerships, and funding for climate projects can significantly benefit India’s transition. Furthermore, engaging in regional partnerships focused on sustainability can create synergies in resource management, especially in areas like water conservation and renewable energy deployment.
Implementing these recommendations requires coordinated efforts across government, industry, and civil society. By reforming policies, fostering public-private collaboration, investing in technology, and enhancing international cooperation, India can create a robust framework for effective climate action. This comprehensive approach will not only facilitate progress toward carbon neutrality but also ensure sustainable development that benefits all citizens.
CONCLUSION
The complexity in the critical nature of this ambitious carbon-neutrality journey undertaken by India makes a balancing act even more challenging-to have rapid economic growth while still maintaining environmental sustainability. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and expanding renewable energy capacity is indeed commendable, but such an objective should be met with collective actions at the various levels and sectors. It is indicated in the review that a huge step has been taken in renewable energy production. There are significant investments here in solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. Its updated NDCs represent stronger intent toward achieving at least 50% emissions intensity reduction, in addition to having a percentage share of at least 60% of renewal energy by 2030. Towards that end, such intents will be supported with sound policy frameworks and reformative regulatory approaches to ensure that policies are crafted and delivered more favourably toward greener technology and smooth processes.
Public-private partnerships cannot be overlooked. Through the collaboration of government agencies and private industries, India will be able to mobilize the necessary capital and expertise to drive climate initiatives forward. Innovative financing mechanisms, such as green bonds and climate investment funds, are essential for securing funding for large-scale projects. Such financial support is critical not only for energy transition but also for enhancing infrastructure, improving energy efficiency, and implementing sustainable practices across different sectors.
Technological innovation and research and development are crucial for overcoming the existing barriers. India needs to invest in advanced technologies that promote high energy efficiency in agriculture, urban planning, and waste management systems. International collaboration will be equally important in this regard because the knowledge and transfer of technology will allow a rapid switch by India to a low-carbon economy.
Lastly, public awareness, and changing citizens’ behaviour, will steer these initiatives. Community involvement in school outreach programs and campaigns can foster that sustainability culture capacity that enlists citizens to act for national climate goals.
India’s journey towards carbon neutrality is one of challenge and promise. To overcome the challenges of economic constraints, enhancing energy security, infrastructure gaps, and public engagement, India can easily go through this transition. An integrated approach of policy reform, technological advancement, and international cooperation will not only put India in the position of leadership in global climate action but also ensure sustainable living for future generations.
[1] Regulatory framework for EV charging include Central and State governments come together to create and implement policies for setting up charging stations, licensing, tariff regulation, and quality control
[2] Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are a set of plans that countries create to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change
[3] Under the Kigali Amendment, actions to limit the use of HFCs under the Montreal Protocol are expected to prevent the emissions of up to 105 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent of greenhouse gases, helping to avoid up to 0.5 degree Celsius of global temperature rise by 2100
[4] The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an intergovernmental organization that aims to increase the use of solar energy and reduce its cost. The ISA was established on November 30, 2015 by India and France to implement the Paris Agreement
[5] Taken together, the measures in the Glasgow Pact propose to accelerate efforts to close the 2030 emissions gap by asking countries to align their commitments with Paris Agreement goals and with a just transition to net zero.
[6] The National Green Tribunal, established in 2010, as per the National Green Tribunal Act is a specialised judicial body equipped with expertise solely for the purpose of adjudicating environmental cases in the country
[7] The mission of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency is to assist in developing policies and strategies with a thrust on self-regulation and market pri nciples, within the overall framework of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001 with the primary objective of reducing energy intensity of the Indian economy.
[8] Green bonds are specifically destined for the funding or refunding of green projects, i.e. projects that are sustainable and socially responsible in areas as diverse as renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean transportation or responsible waste management
[9] PAT is a regulatory instrument to reduce Specific Energy Consumption (SEC) in Energy intensive industries, with an associated market-based mechanism to enhance the cost effectiveness through certification of Excess Energy saving which can be traded.
[10] Smart grid development is the process of modernizing the electricity grid to make it more efficient and reliable using advanced technologies. The goal is to create a secure, scalable, and sustainable electric grid that can meet the needs of consumers and the environment
