GHG emissions in India - Statistics & Facts
A rising population, a rapidly growing economy, and increased fossil energy consumption have all contributed to emissions in India soaring in recent decades. This has seen the South Asian country’s share of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions rise to more than seven percent, making it the world’s third-largest GHG polluter, behind the United States and China. Nevertheless, India has the lowest per capita emissions in the G20, at just 1.9 tCO₂ per person, or roughly an eighth of what the average American emits per year. Its contribution to historical cumulative CO₂ emissions is also far lower than that of other major polluters, at just three percent.
India’s energy transition has made considerable headway in recent years, with the country emerging as a global leader in the renewable energy market, particularly with regards to solar power capacity. But despite its progress and commitment to clean energy, India’s ambitious climate goals are being undermined by its continued dependence on coal. In fact, India is planning to increase coal output over the coming years as it looks to meet the growing energy demands brought on by surging industrialization and urbanization, as well as increased spending power. As such, the world’s most populous country now faces the challenge of balancing economic growth with decarbonization.
Coal power’s role in India’s emissions
India’s GHG emissions have roughly doubled since the turn of the century, with the country now emitting approximately four billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (GtCO₂e) per year. During this time, India’s fossil CO₂ emissions have nearly tripled, reaching a record high of 2.7 GtCO₂ in 2022. One of the primary factors for the country's rising emissions has been the increasing use of coal-fired electricity generation, with this heavily polluting fuel currently accounting for three-quarters of India’s power supply. With a share of 32 percent of total GHG emissions (excluding LULUCF), the power sector was the largest emitter in India in 2022, followed by the country’s agriculture and manufacturing sectors, respectively.Climate action in India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced several commitments India aims to meet as it works toward tackling climate change. These include reducing the carbon intensity of the economy by at least 45 percent by 2030 compared with 2005 levels, meeting 50 percent of energy demand through non-fossil fuel-based energy sources by 2030, and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.India’s energy transition has made considerable headway in recent years, with the country emerging as a global leader in the renewable energy market, particularly with regards to solar power capacity. But despite its progress and commitment to clean energy, India’s ambitious climate goals are being undermined by its continued dependence on coal. In fact, India is planning to increase coal output over the coming years as it looks to meet the growing energy demands brought on by surging industrialization and urbanization, as well as increased spending power. As such, the world’s most populous country now faces the challenge of balancing economic growth with decarbonization.
