Climate Change Mitigation Measures in India

Report Read time:
Climate Change Mitigation Measures in India

India is the world's fourth largest economy and fifth largest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitter, accounting for about 5% of global emissions. India's emissions increased 65% between 1990 and 2005 and are projected to grow another 70% by 2020. By other measures, India's emissions are low compared to those of other major economies. India accounts for only 2% of cumulative energy-related emissions since 1850. On a per capita basis, India's emissions are 70% below the world average and 93% below those of the United States.

India remains home to the world's largest number of poor people, with nearly 35% living on less than a dollar a day. Its economy is growing rapidly, however, with GDP rising about 8% a year over the past five years. As the economy has grown, emissions intensity (GHGs per unit of GDP) has declined significantly. India's GHG intensity is currently 20% lower than the world average (and 15% and 40% lower than the United States' and China's, respectively). Factors contributing to the decline in energy intensity include improved energy efficiency, increased use of renewable and nuclear power, expanded public transport, and energy pricing reform.

With rapid economic growth, rising income, and greater availability of goods and services, energy demand rose 68% between 1990 and 2005, about 3.5% annually. The government projects energy demand growth of 5.2% a year for the next 25 years, driven by annual GDP growth rates of 8-10%.

Coal accounts for 39% of total primary energy demand, followed by biomass and waste (29%), oil (25%) and natural gas (5%). The high proportion of biomass and waste reflects the fact that some 500 million people have no access to electricity or other modern energy services. Coal is projected to remain the primary energy source, with demand growing nearly three-fold by 2030.

Pew is no longer active in this line of work, but for more information, visit the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions site.

Downloads Fact Sheet Climate Change Mitigation Measures in India
Downloads Fact Sheet Climate Change Mitigation Measures in India
America’s Overdose Crisis
America’s Overdose Crisis

America’s Overdose Crisis

Sign up for our five-email course explaining the overdose crisis in America, the state of treatment access, and ways to improve care

Sign up
Quick View
America’s Overdose Crisis

America’s Overdose Crisis

Sign up for our five-email course explaining the overdose crisis in America, the state of treatment access, and ways to improve care

Sign up

MORE FROM PEW

About a dozen people stand examining large blue bins full of whole fish in a warehouse. Some people are in green clothes, others in blue, and all wear ballcaps. A few hold clipboards. Reducing Risk Strengthens the Seafood Supply Chain
A worker in a seafood market dumps bright orange shrimp from a blue bin onto a bed of ice between a lot of other seafood laid out for sale. Other workers are visible in the background, as are the arms of shoppers placing orders from the other side of the ice bed. Seafood Industry Benefits From Greater Vessel Transparency
An aerial view of a vast wetland, with scattered vegetation visible on sandy islands. In Western Australia, a Conservation Model for the World
A presentation being given by a businesswoman to a group of participants at a business conference. Four Plan Features Can Boost 'Retirement Readiness'
Composite image of modern city network communication concept

Learn the Basics of Broadband from Our Limited Series

Sign up for our four-week email course on Broadband Basics
Quick View

How does broadband internet reach our homes, phones, and tablets? What kind of infrastructure connects us all together? What are the major barriers to broadband access for American communities?

Pills illustration
Pills illustration

What Is Antibiotic Resistance—and How Can We Fight It?

Sign up for our four-week email series The Race Against Resistance.
Quick View
Pills illustration

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, also known as “superbugs,” are a major threat to modern medicine. But how does resistance work, and what can we do to slow the spread? Read personal stories, expert accounts, and more for the answers to those questions in our four-week email series: Slowing Superbugs.