Daily Current Affairs Analysis
19 Feb 2025
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India's Upcoming Biannual Transparency
Report (BTR) Submission to UNFCCC
News
Explanation
India
is finalizing its first-ever Biannual Transparency Report (BTR) as part
of its commitment to the Paris Agreement (COP-21, 2015). This report
will provide an updated greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory, highlighting sector-wise
emissions, energy efficiency improvements, and renewable energy adoption.
1.
Understanding the Biannual Transparency Report (BTR)
- The BTR is a new reporting mechanism
introduced under the Paris Agreement (COP-21, 2015).
- Unlike previous reports such as ‘National
Communications’ and ‘Biannual Update Reports (BUR),’ the BTR is externally
reviewed by UNFCCC-accredited experts.
- It aims to increase transparency and
accountability in climate commitments by providing an updated
inventory of GHG emissions and mitigation efforts.
2.
Key Highlights of India’s BTR Submission
A)
Delayed Submission & Global Context
- Countries were expected to submit
BTRs by December 2024 as per COP-21 commitments.
- Many nations, including India, missed
this deadline due to various reasons.
- India’s report will now be reviewed
externally, a first for the country.
B)
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Data
- BTR will provide data up to 2022,
whereas the previous Biannual Update Report (BUR) contained data only
till 2020.
- India reported a 7.93% decline in
emissions in 2020 due to COVID-19 lockdown-induced lower energy
consumption.
- The upcoming BTR is expected to show a
rise in emissions, aligning with global trends as
economies recover from the pandemic.
C)
India's Contribution to Global Emissions
- India’s total emissions remain at around
4%-5% of the global share.
- India’s per capita emissions are still
less than one-third of the global average,
highlighting its lower carbon footprint compared to developed nations.
3.
Significance of the BTR for India
A)
Strengthening India’s Climate Commitments
- The BTR will reaffirm India's
commitment to transparency in climate action.
- India has pledged to achieve net-zero
emissions by 2070 and increase the share of renewable
energy to 50% by 2030.
- The report will document India’s
transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy and improvements in
energy efficiency.
B)
International Scrutiny and Diplomatic Implications
- Unlike past reports, the BTR will be
reviewed by independent experts, making India’s climate commitments more
accountable internationally.
- India must demonstrate that its emission
trends are aligned with its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
under the Paris Agreement.
- A well-prepared BTR can strengthen
India’s negotiating position in global climate forums like COP.
C)
Potential Challenges
- Expected rise in emissions post-2020
might attract criticism from developed nations pushing for more
aggressive climate commitments from emerging economies.
- India continues to advocate for ‘Common
But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR),’ arguing that developed
countries should bear a larger burden in reducing emissions
due to their historical responsibility.
4.
Way Forward for India
A)
Strengthening Climate Action Plans
- Accelerate renewable energy
deployment (solar, wind, green hydrogen) to reduce dependency on
coal and fossil fuels.
- Enhance energy efficiency initiatives
like Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) & National Mission on
Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE).
- Promote sustainable urban development
and electrification of transport to cut emissions.
B)
Improving Data Collection & Transparency
- Invest in real-time emission tracking
systems to ensure more accurate reporting in future BTRs.
- Strengthen institutional capacity for
climate monitoring and compliance with UNFCCC requirements.
C)
Balancing Economic Growth with Climate Responsibility
- India must balance economic
development with environmental sustainability while ensuring that developed
nations fulfill their financial commitments under the Paris Agreement.
- Push for more climate finance and
technology transfers from developed nations
to support India’s clean energy transition.
5.
Conclusion
India’s
upcoming BTR submission marks a significant milestone in its climate
governance. It will showcase India’s progress in emission reductions,
energy transition, and climate action. However, the expected
post-pandemic rise in emissions may bring challenges in international
climate negotiations. India must continue to emphasize equity, climate
justice, and fair financial support from developed countries while
strengthening its domestic climate policies. ✅🌍
MCQs
for Prelims Practice
1. Consider the
following statements regarding India's Biannual Transparency Report (BTR):
1.
The BTR is a part of India’s commitments
under the 2015 Paris Agreement.
2.
Unlike previous reports, the BTR will undergo
external review by UNFCCC-accredited experts.
3.
India is among the first countries to submit
its BTR before the 2024 deadline.
Which
of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3
✅ Answer: A
🔹 Explanation: The
BTR is part of India's Paris
Agreement obligations, and for
the first time, it will be reviewed externally by UNFCCC experts.
However, India missed
the December 2024 deadline and is not among the first submitters.
2. With reference to
India's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, consider the following statements:
1.
In the latest Biannual Update Report (BUR),
India’s total emissions showed a decline of 7.93% in 2020 compared to 2019.
2.
India's per capita emissions are among the
highest in the world.
3.
The forthcoming BTR is expected to show an
increase in emissions compared to 2020.
Which of the statements given above
is/are correct?
A) 1 and 3 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 2 only
D) 1, 2, and 3
✅ Answer: A
🔹 Explanation:
India's GHG emissions declined
by 7.93% in 2020 due to the COVID-19 lockdown
(Statement 1 is correct). However, India’s
per capita emissions are much lower than global averages
(Statement 2 is incorrect). The BTR
is expected to show an increase in emissions due to post-pandemic economic
recovery (Statement 3 is correct).
3. Which of the following
correctly describes the purpose of the Biannual Transparency Report (BTR)?
A)
To provide periodic updates on India’s fiscal deficit and economic performance.
B) To submit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions data and climate actions to the
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
C) To report India's progress in disaster management and preparedness.
D) To monitor the implementation of international trade agreements in India.
✅ Answer: B
🔹 Explanation: The
BTR reports India’s GHG emissions,
climate actions, and progress on renewable energy transition to the UNFCCC as
part of the Paris
Agreement commitments.
4. Consider the following
pairs regarding India’s climate policies and international commitments:
|
Policy/Commitment |
Description |
|
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) |
India's voluntary
commitments under the Paris Agreement to reduce emissions. |
|
Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) Scheme |
A market-based mechanism
to improve energy efficiency in industrial sectors. |
|
State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs) |
International agreements
negotiated at the UNFCCC summits. |
Which of the pairs given above is/are
correctly matched?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3
✅ Answer: A
🔹 Explanation: NDCs represent India's voluntary climate
commitments under the Paris Agreement, and PAT is a scheme to promote industrial
energy efficiency. However, SAPCCs are state-level policies
formulated within India, not international agreements.
5. With reference to
India’s role in global climate action, consider the following statements:
1.
India has committed to achieving net-zero
emissions by 2050.
2.
India has pledged to increase the share of
non-fossil fuel energy capacity to 50% by 2030.
3.
India’s emissions account for about 4-5% of
global greenhouse gas emissions.
Which of the statements given above
is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3
✅ Answer: B
🔹 Explanation: India has set a net-zero target for 2070,
not 2050 (Statement 1 is incorrect). India aims to achieve 50% non-fossil fuel
capacity by 2030 and currently contributes around 4-5% of global emissions
(Statements 2 and 3 are correct).
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