(a) whether India is one of the largest contributor to the global greenhouse gas emission
(b) if so, the details of green house gases and the quantity thereof emitted
therefrom as per the report of the Tata Energy Research Institute (TERI);and
(c) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to reduce the gas emission?
MINISTER OF THE STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)
(a) India’s total greenhouse gas emissions was 1228 metric tones of CO2 equivalent as per the official statistics reported
in the first national communication of India to the UNFCCC (NATCOM) in 19994. In per capita terms, India’s CO2 emissions
in 1994 was 1.02 tonnes as compared with world average of 4.25 tonnes. Further estimates in this regard have been made
by researchers which are not confirmed officially.
(b) Total CO2 emissions constituted 65 per cent of total GHG released in 1994. On a sectoral basis, the energy sector
accounted for about 61 per cent, agriculture 28 per cent,industrial process 8 per cent, waste disposal 2 per cent and
land use and land use change 1 per cent of total greenhouse gas emissions. CH4 and N2O respectively account for 31%
and 4% of the total GHG emissions in terms of CO2 equivalent.
While no official estimate for GHG emissions from India is available after 1994, several policies and programs targeted
at poverty reduction and economic development over the last couple of decades have led to significant changes in the energy
use patterns and levels of resultant emissions due to anthropogenic activity.
A study conducted by TERI reports that per capita CO2 emission from energy use in India may increase to 5 tonnes
in a Reference scenario by year 2031.
(c) India is signatory to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its Kyoto Protocol.While
India does not have any Green House Gases (GHG) abatement commitments under the Kyoto Protocol, a range of policies and
programs have been followed that include improving energy efficiency & conservation as well setting up of Bureau of Energy
Efficiency, power sector reforms, promoting hydro and renewable energy, promotion of clean coal technologies, coal washing
& efficient utilization of coal, afforestation and conservation of forests, reduction of gas flaring, use of cleaner and
lesser carbon intensive fuel for transport, encouraging mass rapid transport systems and environmental quality management.
These measures help achieve better energy intensity while addressing climate change as co-benefit.
India has also released its National Action Plan on Climate Change in June 2008 with a view to advance actions
aimed at adapting to climate change and enhancing the ecological sustainability of India’s development path.