2015 landmark year for India in fighting climate change: Economic Survey

The Economic Survey 2015-16 tabled in the parliament on Friday highlighted 2015 as a landmark year for the country in terms of climate change initiatives nationally and internationally led by the adoption of Paris Agreement and the launch of International Solar Alliance (ISA).

"At the International level, India played a crucial role in the climate change talks and agreement under United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Paris in December 2015, and the launch of ISA," said the survey.

On October 2, 2015, India also submitted its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC) to the UNFCCC which aims to reduce its emissions intensity of its GDP by 33-35 percent by 2030 and set a target to attain 40 percent cumulative electric installed capacity from non-fossil fuel based energy resources by 2030.

Further revealing India's efforts in dealing with climate change and promoting sustainable development, the Survey said the country played a key role in the adoption of the 21st Conference of Parties (COP 21) agreement in December 2015 under UNFCCC and Paris Agreement.

Paris Agreement sets a roadmap for all nations to act against climate change post 2020.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi played a leading role at COP 21 in the launch of the ISA, and also volunteered to host its secretariat," said the survey.

According to the Survey, as of January 4, 2016, with 1,593 projects out of 7,685 registered under Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of UNFCCC, India has the second highest CDM projects.

The survey further highlighted that a budget provision of Rs.350 crore for 2015-16 and 2016-17 has been earmarked for National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC) while National Clean Energy Fund (NCEF) is supported by cess on coal.

Indian initiatives to fight climate change also include National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), National Expert Group on Climate Change and Health, Development of Solar cities Programme and National Offshore Wind Energy Policy 2015.