India is the world’s third-largest carbon dioxide (CO₂) emitter. A rising population, rapidly growing economy, and increased energy demand have seen India’s emissions soar in recent decades.

The world’s most populous country emitted 2.8 Gigaton of carbon dioxide in 2023 which was around 4 Gigaton or 4 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, making it the third-largest contributor to global GHG emissions. With energy demand set to grow even further, India is now projected to overtake the U.S. as the second-biggest emitter by 2035.

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Per capita carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in India have soared in recent decades, climbing from 0.4 metric tons per person in 1970 to a high of 2.07 metric tons per person in 2023.

In terms of CO₂ emissions from fuel combustion, India ranks second in Asia-Pacific region.

One of the main reasons for India’s high emissions is the country’s reliance on coal, the most polluting of fossil fuels. India’s CO₂ emissions from coal totaled roughly two billion metric tons in 2023, a near sixfold increase from 1990 levels.

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Largest Contributors to Global Fossil CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide) Emissions

In 2023, the largest absolute contributions to global fossil CO₂ (carbon dioxide) emissions were from China (31%), the United States (13%), India (8%), and the EU 27 (7%). These four regions accounted for 59% of global fossil CO₂ emissions, while the rest of the world contributed 41%.

Sources of CO₂ Emissions in India

Largest source of CO₂ emissions in India (in 2022) are the Electricity and heat production accounting for 52.7% of total energy-related CO₂ emissions. Next are the Industry Sector (24.1%), Transport Sector (12.9%), Residential (3.9%) and Others.

The vast majority of CO₂ emissions in the energy sector come from the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas for power generation or to fuel vehicles and machines. Coal accounted for 72.2%, Oil 24.2% and Natural Gas 3.6% of total CO₂ emissions from fuel combustion in 2022.

India’s per capita CO₂ emissions remain very low

India’s CO₂ emissions reached 2.8 Gt in 2023. However, India’s per capita emissions remain very low, at around 2 tonnes, less than half the world average of 4.86 tonnes per year.

India’s per capita emissions remain significantly lower than Canada 14.91, Russia 14.45, Australia 14.21, United States 13.83, China 9.24, Japan 7.54 and European Union 5.66 tonnes per year.

Thus India, which has emerged as the world’s 5th largest economy, also stands out as a country with one of the lowest per capita carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions globally as it balances growth with sustainability and switches to renewables at a rapid pace.

Path to Net-Zero

India has committed to various targets as it works toward tackling climate change. These include reducing the carbon intensity of its economy by at least 45 percent by 2030 compared with 2005 levels, meeting at least 50 percent of its installed electricity capacity through non-fossil-fuel-based energy sources by 2030, and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.

The country’s energy transition has made considerable headway recently, with India well on its way to achieving its renewable capacity target. But despite its progress and commitment to clean energy, India’s ambitious climate goals are being undermined by its continued dependence on coal.

Financial constraints are another big challenge to overcome on India’s path to net-zero, with investments in clean energy technologies needing to triple by 2030 relative to 2024 levels. To bridge this gap, India is pushing for increased climate finance from developed countries — which currently lags — owing to its relatively low contribution to historical emissions and global warming.

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

QUES . Consider the following statements: UPSC PRELIMS 2025

I. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in India are less than 0.5 t CO₂/capita.

II. In terms of CO₂ emissions from fuel combustion, India ranks second in Asia-Pacific region.

III. Electricity and heat producers are the largest source of CO₂ emissions in India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) I and III only

(b) II only

(c) II and III only

(d) I, II and III

Show Answer