India reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 7.93% in 2020, according to Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, who spoke at the World Sustainable Development Summit 2025. This decrease is attributed partly to the economic impact of Covid-19. India aims for net-zero emissions by 2070 and emphasizes the need for developed nations to meet their climate-related commitments.
In 2020, India achieved a significant reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, decreasing by 7.93% compared to the previous year. Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, announced this achievement while addressing the World Sustainable Development Summit 2025. He highlighted India’s leadership role in climate action within the Global South.
The report submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) detailed a 7.93% reduction in national GHG emissions since 2019, yet signified a remarkable 98.34% increase since 1994. India has worked to decouple economic growth from emissions, achieving a 36% reduction in emission intensity of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 2005 to 2020.
Experts indicated that the Covid-19 pandemic significantly impacted India’s economy, contributing to the observed reduction in GHG emissions. The pandemic led to a contraction in economic performance, prompting the government to implement various recovery measures aimed at revitalizing growth after the economic downturn.
During his address, Minister Yadav emphasized India’s commitment to inclusive, ambitious, and collaborative climate action. He acknowledged the Global South’s critical role in addressing climate challenges and called on developed nations to fulfill their financial and technological commitments under the Paris Agreement.
The Minister urged for increased climate adaptation finance to support vulnerable regions in implementing resilient solutions. He outlined a vision for a developed India (Viksit Bharat) by 2047, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2070 while noting the progress made toward reducing GDP emission intensity and the focus on clean energy and green technology manufacturing.
Yadav underscored that climate change action must be coherent and united. He advocated for reforms in global governance to place equity and justice at the forefront of climate negotiations, ensuring that responses to climate change are fair and effective.
India’s 7.93% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in 2020 underscores its dedication to climate action and positions it as a leader within the Global South. Facing the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, India has decoupled economic growth from emissions, setting a long-term goal for net-zero by 2070. Minister Yadav’s address highlights the urgent need for global cooperation, as well as financial and technological commitments from developed nations to effectively combat climate change.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
