Q.‘Clean energy is the order of the day’. Describe briefly India’s changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics.

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Significance of Clean Energy for India

• Emission Commitments: India stands as the third-largest global greenhouse gas emitter (following China and the US). However, it has pledged to curb its carbon emission intensity by 33-35% by 2030 relative to 2005 benchmarks.
• Employment Potential: The domestic renewable energy sector holds massive employment potential. An International Labour Organization (ILO) report estimates that green energy could generate over 300,000 jobs in India by 2030.
• Environmental & Health Benefits: Transitioning to clean energy offers profound public health and environmental benefits. The International Energy Agency (IEA) notes that India's green energy targets could prevent up to 1.2 billion tonnes of carbon emissions by 2022.
• Installed Capacity: By 2021, India's installed renewable capacity exceeded 96 GW (comprising solar, wind, biomass, and small hydro), representing nearly 25% of the nation's total power mix.

Domestic Initiatives for Clean Energy

• National Solar Mission (2010): Targeted 100 GW of solar capacity by 2022.
• National Wind Energy Mission (2014): Aimed for 60 GW of wind capacity by 2022.
• Energy Conservation Building Code (2007, updated 2017): Mandates energy efficiency standards for commercial structures.
• UJALA Scheme (2015): Distributed over 36 crore subsidized LED bulbs to enhance household energy efficiency.
• National Bioenergy Mission (2018): Targets 20% ethanol blending in petrol and 5% biodiesel blending by 2030.
• Smart Cities Mission (2015): Integrates sustainable infrastructure and clean energy across 100 cities.

International Engagements and Leadership

• International Solar Alliance (ISA): Launched in 2015 with France, targeting $1 trillion in investments for 1,000 GW solar capacity across tropical nations by 2030.
• Mission Innovation (MI): A 24-member global pact launched in 2015; India established a $30 million research fund for clean tech.
• Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM): 28-member forum where India participates in initiatives like "EV30@30" (targeting 30% EV market share by 2030).
• Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI): Launched in 2019 to foster climate-resilient infrastructure.

Geopolitical Shift in India's Stance

• Proactive Stance: Historically, India advocated that developed nations bear the primary burden of mitigation and funding. Recently, India has adopted a highly proactive stance, recognizing climate change as a collective global threat and a matter of national economic and security interest.
• Adherence to CBDR: While upholding "Common but Differentiated Responsibilities" (CBDR), India has voluntarily set ambitious domestic targets, positioning itself as a responsible global leader.