Over the past few years India has experienced rapid GDP growth which has led to the increased use of fossil fuels. Given the country’s many problems the government has had limited success in the implementation of policies designed to offset the increase in fossil fuel.
(Key Climate Changes and Risks)
India is extremely vulnerable to climate change. Current projections show that there will be a 1.7-2 degree C increase in mean temperature by 2030. Areas in central and western India, which are especially drought-prone, would be extremely affected by this. The mean monsoon rainfall is expected to rise 15-40% by the end of the 21st century. Areas on the east and southeast coast would be at the most risk following this change. A 0.6-0.8 …show more content…
In 2008 Prime Minister Manmohan Singh released India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change, the NAPCC. The NAPCC outlines existing and future policies that address climate mitigation and adaptation. It is made up of eight national missions that will run until 2017.
The first is the National Solar Mission. This mission promotes the use of solar energy. It specifically looks at increasing solar technology in urban areas, industry and commercial establishments.
The National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency builds off of an earlier energy efficiency plan from 2001. This mission aims to decrease energy consumption in industries that traditionally consume a lot of energy. This mission enforces a system for businesses to trade energy-savings certificates and reduced taxes based on energy efficient appliances.
The National Mission on Sustainable Habitat emphasizes energy efficiency in urban planning. It promotes recycling and public transportation as well as using energy efficient …show more content…
The National Mission for a “Green India” hopes to expand the forest cover from 23% to 33% of India’s territory. This mission also aims at the afforestation of about 6 million hectares of forest.
The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture supports the development of climate-resilient crops, expansion of weather insurance mechanisms and agricultural practices.
The final mission is the National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change which funds research aimed at gaining a better understanding of climate change.
These plans emphasize the importance of maintaining India’s impressive economic growth while also acknowledging the need to address climate change effectively. Prime Minister Singh also noted that resources from developed countries would be vital in the successful implementation of these policies.
(Two policies)
There are currently two policy implementation scenarios proposed by the government of India’s Planning Commission
The first scenario is the determined effort scenario. In this scenario the NAPCC will be effectively pursued and implemented until 2017. This would require the continuous upgrading of