Net Zero Emissions and its Implications for India

Concept of net zero emissions has gained currency in last few years. It is crucial to sustainability of earth systems. Net zero emission is primarily a scientific term that denotes state of carbon dioxide after strategies to cut down global greenhouse gas emissions are put in place. It is natural that cutting down greenhouse gas emissions and achieving net zero emissions cannot be visualised until it is included in the policies and programs of respective countries. Therefore, the term net zero emissions entered policy documents of the governments. From there, the term has disseminated to mainstream discussions in academia and businesses. In order to insulate human beings and the environment from the perils of climate change, it is imperative for every country to set targets to achieve net zero emissions and also to strive to achieve them through concrete plans and programs. In other words, net zero emissions signify decarbonisation of economy. Climate change presents significant policy challenges for India, which must balance the need to improve living standards for its 1.4 billion citizens with the imperative to reduce global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Despite the implementation of numerous policies aimed at promoting renewable energy manufacturing and usage and transitioning away from coal, substantial efforts are still required to achieve India's net zero goal by 2070. The government is focusing on several key policy initiatives to reach this goal, including decarbonizing the grid, industries, and transport sectors, as well as advancing carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies. As of 2023, India is on the right track towards achieving its net zero target by 2070. This paper provides an in-depth review of India's current climate policy landscape and presents emissions trajectories under various policy initiatives aimed at reducing GHG emissions.