As the global community grapples with the growing urgency of climate change, countries like India find themselves at a pivotal crossroads. The challenge lies in sustaining economic development while simultaneously taking decisive action to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Being the third-largest carbon emitter in absolute terms, yet maintaining one of the lowest per capita emissions globally, India’s role in the global climate narrative is both unique and significant. The concept of carbon emission amendment—referring to the ongoing revision and strengthening of laws, technologies, and policies to manage and reduce emissions—has become central to India’s climate policy evolution.
India’s emission profile is largely shaped by its dependence on coal for energy, industrial activities such as steel and cement production, expanding transportation needs, and agricultural practices that contribute to methane and nitrous oxide release. Despite the scale of these emissions, India has made bold international commitments under the Paris Agreement, including reducing the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45 percent from 2005 levels by 2030, achieving 50 percent cumulative electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, and reaching net-zero emissions by 2070. Translating these goals into measurable outcomes, however, requires navigating a range of complex and deeply rooted challenges.
One of the foremost challenges is India’s continued dependence on coal for electricity generation. Coal accounts for over 70 percent of the country’s electricity supply, providing employment and energy security but also contributing significantly to carbon emissions. Transitioning to renewable sources like solar and wind, while technically feasible, presents logistical, financial, and socio-political hurdles, especially when it comes to ensuring energy affordability and grid stability in a country with rapidly rising demand.
Another significant obstacle lies in regulatory fragmentation. Climate-related responsibilities are spread across various ministries and departments, which often results in delayed action, inconsistent enforcement, and overlapping mandates. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), although well-intentioned, sometimes get diluted under political or industrial pressures, weakening their effectiveness in controlling emissions.
The industrial sector poses additional complexities. Heavy industries such as cement, iron, and steel remain some of the hardest to decarbonize due to high energy intensity and limited availability of viable low-carbon alternatives. Although these sectors have shown interest in transitioning, the lack of affordable green technologies and high upfront investment requirements act as barriers to systemic change.
Urban transport continues to be another persistent challenge. India’s rapidly growing urban centers are witnessing a surge in private vehicle ownership, while public transport systems often remain underdeveloped or poorly maintained. The slow rollout of electric vehicle infrastructure and delays in fuel-efficiency norm implementation have further contributed to rising urban emissions and poor air quality.
In the context of these challenges, India has responded with several policy amendments and initiatives. The Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act of 2022 was a milestone, introducing a national carbon credit trading framework and mandating minimum energy performance standards across sectors. This was followed by the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims to make India a global hub for green hydrogen production, particularly for use in hard-to-abate industries. Other interventions such as the FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles) scheme, the PAT (Perform, Achieve and Trade) program under the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, and the revised State Action Plans on Climate Change have collectively laid a strong policy foundation for emission reduction.
However, policy alone is not sufficient. A range of solutions must be pursued simultaneously to accelerate progress. Renewable energy deployment must not only meet but exceed India’s 2030 targets. The development of large-scale solar parks, offshore wind energy, and battery storage systems must be prioritized to ensure grid reliability and clean energy access. A functioning carbon market—linked to global trading systems—could bring economic incentives to industries adopting low-carbon technologies.
Industries need to embrace innovation, especially in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), and circular economy models. These approaches offer scalable options to cut emissions without sacrificing productivity. Financial innovation is equally crucial. Expanding access to green bonds, ESG-linked loans, and venture capital for climate solutions can empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to adopt sustainable practices.
Transforming India’s urban mobility ecosystem will also be key. This includes scaling metro rail systems, improving bus rapid transit, encouraging non-motorized transport, and building infrastructure to support electric vehicles. Meanwhile, long-term behavioural change can only come through sustained public engagement and awareness-building. National campaigns on carbon literacy and responsible consumption will be vital in shifting societal norms toward sustainability.
Despite the hurdles, India’s commitment to a low-carbon future is undeniable. What is needed now is deeper coordination between the government, industry, civil society, and citizens. By building on the momentum of its current policies and forging new pathways through innovation, capacity building, and international cooperation, India can become a global leader in carbon governance. More importantly, it can ensure that the transition to a green economy is both just and inclusive, leaving no community behind.
In conclusion, carbon emission amendments are not just technical adjustments but a part of a broader systemic transformation. For India, this transformation represents not only an environmental imperative but also a profound opportunity—to drive sustainable growth, protect public health, and elevate its leadership on the world stage.
