Paris Agreement and India's Climate Commitments (UPSC Prelims + Mains)
When India faces heatwaves, floods, cyclones, irregular monsoon, and rising sea level risks, climate change stops being a "future topic". It becomes a daily-life topic. The Paris Agreement (2015) is the main global climate treaty guiding what countries must do together. India's climate commitments under Paris are also a major UPSC area because it connects environment, economy, energy, international relations, disaster management, and sustainable development.
This article explains the Paris Agreement in very simple English, then explains India's targets (NDC), India's strengthened goals (Panchamrit), India's progress, and India's policy tools. At the end, you will get 3 UPSC PYQs and 10 practice MCQs with explanations.
1) Key Terms You Must Know (Very Important for Prelims)
Paris Agreement
The Paris Agreement is a legally binding global climate treaty adopted in 2015 under the UNFCCC. Its main aim is to keep global temperature rise well below 2°C and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, while improving adaptation and aligning finance with low-carbon development.
UNFCCC
UNFCCC stands for United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (1992). It is the parent international treaty under which climate negotiations happen. The Paris Agreement is "under the UNFCCC".
COP
COP means Conference of the Parties. It is the annual meeting of countries that are part of UNFCCC. Big decisions are taken here, like adoption of Paris Agreement at COP21 (2015).
NDC (Nationally Determined Contribution)
NDC is a country's climate action plan under the Paris Agreement. It includes targets and actions for mitigation (reducing emissions) and also includes adaptation plans. NDCs are updated every 5 years with higher ambition.
INDC (Intended Nationally Determined Contribution)
Before the Paris Agreement started formally, countries announced "intended" climate plans called INDCs. After joining the Paris Agreement, the INDC normally becomes the first NDC (unless the country changes it).
Mitigation
Mitigation means actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions or increase carbon removal. Example: solar power, energy efficiency, electric mobility, green hydrogen, and afforestation (if it increases carbon sink).
Adaptation
Adaptation means actions that reduce harm from climate impacts and build resilience. Example: drought-resistant farming, flood control, cyclone shelters, heat action plans, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
CBDR-RC
CBDR-RC means Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities. It means all countries must act on climate change, but developed countries should do more because they historically emitted more and they have higher capacity and finance.
Emissions Intensity of GDP
Emissions intensity means how much greenhouse gas is emitted for each unit of economic output (GDP). If emissions intensity falls, the economy becomes cleaner per unit of production, even if the economy grows.
Carbon Sink
A carbon sink is anything that absorbs more carbon than it releases, like forests and soils. Increasing forest and tree cover can increase carbon sink if done properly and sustainably.
Net Zero
Net zero means total greenhouse gas emissions are balanced by removals (like forests or technology). It does not mean "zero emissions", it means "emissions left are balanced by removals".
Climate Finance
Climate finance means money for mitigation and adaptation, especially support from developed countries to developing countries. It also includes technology transfer and capacity building support.
Global Stocktake (GST)
Global Stocktake is a periodic review under the Paris Agreement to check collective progress on mitigation, adaptation, and support. It happens every 5 years. It helps countries increase ambition in the next NDC.
Transparency Framework
Transparency framework means countries must regularly report emissions, actions, and progress on targets using common rules. It builds trust and allows global tracking.
Loss and Damage
Loss and damage means climate harms that cannot be fully avoided by mitigation or adaptation, like permanent loss of land due to sea level rise or extreme disasters. Paris Agreement recognizes it as an important area.
Article 6 of Paris Agreement
Article 6 provides ways for countries to cooperate to meet their NDCs. It includes carbon market cooperation and also non-market cooperation like technology sharing and joint approaches.
Panchamrit
Panchamrit is India's set of five climate goals announced at COP26 (2021). It includes 500 GW non-fossil energy capacity by 2030, 50% energy requirements from renewables by 2030, 1 billion tonnes emission reduction by 2030, 45% reduction in emissions intensity by 2030 (from 2005), and net zero by 2070.
LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment)
LiFE is India's idea that climate action is not only government policy, but also a mass movement of environment-friendly lifestyles, avoiding wasteful consumption and promoting mindful use of resources.
LT-LEDS
LT-LEDS means Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy. It is a long-term roadmap document to show how a country can grow while reducing emissions over decades.
2) Background: Why the Paris Agreement Was Needed
Climate negotiations started under UNFCCC (1992). Then the world tried the Kyoto Protocol (1997). Kyoto was important but it had limitations.
2.1 Kyoto Protocol in one line
Kyoto gave binding emission reduction targets mainly to developed countries (Annex I). Developing countries like India did not have binding reduction targets under Kyoto's first period.
2.2 Problems that pushed the world towards Paris
- Limited coverage: Kyoto did not include binding targets for many fast-growing emitters and had limited participation.
- Top-down design: Targets were negotiated and assigned, which was politically difficult.
- Need for universal action: By 2010s, global emissions needed action by all major economies.
- Need for flexibility: Countries have different development levels, so a "one size fits all" target system was hard.
2.3 What Paris changed
Paris created a "bottom-up" system: every country submits its own plan (NDC), and the system pushes ambition up every 5 years through transparency and global stocktake. This is called the ratchet mechanism.
3) Paris Agreement: Objectives (What It Tries to Achieve)
The Paris Agreement is built on three big goals that must be remembered for Prelims and used for Mains intro.
- Temperature goal: Hold global temperature rise well below 2°C and pursue efforts for 1.5°C.
- Adaptation goal: Increase ability to adapt, build climate resilience, and reduce vulnerability without threatening food production.
- Finance flow goal: Make finance flows consistent with low-emission and climate-resilient development.
So Paris is not only about cutting emissions. It is also about adaptation and finance support.
4) Key Features of the Paris Agreement (UPSC-Friendly Points)
4.1 Universal participation
Unlike Kyoto, Paris expects climate action from all countries. But it still respects equity and CBDR-RC "in the light of different national circumstances".
4.2 NDCs: heart of the Paris Agreement
- Each country must prepare, communicate, and maintain an NDC.
- NDCs are updated every 5 years.
- Each new NDC should be a progression and reflect highest possible ambition.
4.3 Long-term direction: towards net zero globally
Paris aims at global peaking of emissions as soon as possible and then deep reductions so that the world reaches a balance between emissions and removals in the second half of the century. Many countries explain this as a move towards net zero globally.
4.4 Transparency framework (reporting and review)
- Countries must report emissions inventory and progress.
- Reports undergo technical expert review.
- It is meant to be facilitative, non-punitive, and respectful of sovereignty.
4.5 Global Stocktake (every 5 years)
The Global Stocktake checks collective progress and then pushes countries to strengthen next NDCs. It covers mitigation, adaptation, and means of implementation (finance, technology, capacity).
4.6 Adaptation gets equal importance
Paris gives adaptation a strong place, encourages planning, resilience building, and support for vulnerable countries.
4.7 Climate finance and support
Paris recognizes that developing countries need support. Developed countries are expected to provide finance, technology transfer, and capacity building. Climate finance is a major negotiation issue because developing countries want predictable and adequate finance.
4.8 Loss and Damage recognition
Paris recognizes the importance of addressing loss and damage linked to climate impacts. This is important for climate-vulnerable countries and also relevant for India because India faces disaster risks.
4.9 Article 6: cooperation (markets and non-markets)
Article 6 allows countries to cooperate voluntarily. This includes carbon markets and non-market approaches. This is increasingly tested in UPSC questions.
4.10 Compliance mechanism (not punishment-based)
Paris includes a mechanism to facilitate implementation and promote compliance. It is designed to be facilitative and non-punitive.
5) What Is Legally Binding in Paris Agreement and What Is Not?
This is a common UPSC confusion.
- Legally binding: Countries must submit NDCs, report emissions and progress, and update NDCs every 5 years.
- Not legally binding: The exact numeric target of a country's NDC is not enforced as a "punishment obligation". Countries choose their targets nationally.
So, Paris creates a binding system of planning + reporting + review + updating, and uses international pressure and transparency to push ambition.
6) India and the Paris Agreement: Timeline (Easy for Prelims)
- 2015: Paris Agreement adopted at COP21. India also submitted its INDC in 2015.
- 2 October 2016: India deposited instrument of ratification (India becomes Party).
- 4 November 2016: Paris Agreement entered into force globally.
- 2021 (COP26, Glasgow): India announced Panchamrit and net zero 2070.
- August 2022: India submitted updated first NDC (strengthened targets).
- November 2022: India submitted LT-LEDS to UNFCCC.
7) India's Climate Commitments Under Paris Agreement (NDC Targets)
India's climate commitments are mainly written in its NDC. India's updated NDC (2022) is most important for current UPSC.
7.1 India's updated NDC (2022) key targets (must remember)
- Reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 from 2005 level.
- Achieve about 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030 (with support like technology and low-cost international finance).
- Create additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 2030.
- Adaptation focus: enhance investments in sectors vulnerable to climate change (agriculture, water, Himalayan region, coastal regions, health, disaster management).
- LiFE: promote Lifestyle for Environment as a mass movement.
7.2 Original NDC (INDC) vs updated NDC (simple comparison)
| Area | Original NDC (based on INDC) | Updated NDC (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Emissions intensity of GDP | Reduce by 33–35% by 2030 from 2005 | Reduce by 45% by 2030 from 2005 |
| Non-fossil installed power capacity share | 40% by 2030 (conditional on support) | About 50% by 2030 (conditional on support) |
| Forest carbon sink | Additional sink of 2.5–3 billion tonnes CO2e by 2030 | Same sink target continued |
| Lifestyle / behaviour | Not a major headline point | LiFE is highlighted as a key climate action idea |
7.3 What does "emissions intensity reduction" mean in simple terms?
Suppose in 2005, India emitted 100 units of CO2 for producing 100 units of GDP. That means intensity = 1. If by 2030 India emits 70 units of CO2 for producing 200 units of GDP, then emissions intensity becomes 70/200 = 0.35. This is a big intensity reduction. So intensity reduction allows economic growth while becoming cleaner per unit of output.
UPSC writing tip: In Mains, explain that intensity targets are meaningful for developing countries because their economy will grow, but they still reduce emissions per unit of production.
8) COP26 (2021) and Panchamrit: How India Strengthened Climate Action
At COP26 (Glasgow, 2021), India announced Panchamrit, which gave stronger direction to India's climate pathway and supported updated NDC and long-term strategy.
8.1 The five Panchamrit goals (easy points)
- 500 GW non-fossil energy capacity by 2030
- 50% of energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030
- Reduction of total projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030
- Reduction in carbon intensity of the economy by 45% by 2030 (from 2005 levels)
- Net zero emissions by 2070
8.2 Why Panchamrit matters for UPSC answers
- It is a strong political commitment and shows India's long-term direction.
- It links climate action with development needs and climate justice.
- It gives a policy signal for investments in renewables, grids, storage, and clean industry.
9) India's Progress So Far (Use These Data Points in Mains)
In UPSC Mains, writing "India is on track" is not enough. You should add 2–3 data points to make the answer stronger.
- Emission intensity reduction: Between 2005 and 2020, India's emission intensity of GDP reduced by 36%.
- Non-fossil installed capacity share: By February 2025, share of non-fossil sources in installed electricity generation capacity was 47.37%.
- Carbon sink creation: From 2005 to 2021, an additional carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent was created.
UPSC angle: These points show decoupling of growth from emissions and progress towards NDC. But also remember: installed capacity share is not the same as actual generation share. Renewable generation depends on solar and wind availability, storage, and grid management.
10) How India Is Implementing Its Commitments (Policies + Programmes)
India's climate commitments are not only "international promises". India implements them through domestic policies. The best way to write in Mains is: Target → Policy tool → Example → Outcome.
10.1 National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and Missions
NAPCC (2008) is India's broad climate strategy with missions focusing on mitigation and adaptation.
| Mission (NAPCC) | Main focus | Indian examples you can mention |
|---|---|---|
| National Solar Mission | Promote solar energy and reduce cost | Solar parks like Bhadla (Rajasthan), rooftop solar growth |
| National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency | Reduce energy use through efficiency | PAT scheme, energy efficient appliances |
| National Mission on Sustainable Habitat | Urban planning, transport, waste, buildings | Metro expansion, waste management reforms |
| National Water Mission | Water conservation, efficiency, integrated management | Micro-irrigation, watershed projects, water reuse |
| National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture | Climate-resilient farming | Drought-resilient crops, soil health, agroforestry |
| National Mission for Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem | Protect Himalayan ecology and glaciers | Himalayan monitoring, disaster risk reduction |
| Green India Mission | Increase forest cover and ecosystem services | Afforestation, restoration of degraded land |
| National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change | Research, knowledge, capacity | Climate data systems, research institutions |
10.2 Renewable energy expansion (mitigation)
- Solar and wind growth: India has expanded solar parks, rooftop solar, and wind corridors.
- Grid upgrades: Stronger transmission is needed to move renewable power from resource-rich states to demand centers.
- Storage need: Batteries and pumped storage help manage solar/wind variability.
10.3 Energy efficiency and "doing more with less"
Energy efficiency is often the cheapest climate action. If the same output is produced using less electricity or less coal, emissions fall.
- PAT (Perform, Achieve and Trade): Targets energy-intensive industries to reduce specific energy consumption. Entities that over-achieve can trade certificates.
- Efficient appliances: LED programmes and star ratings reduce household electricity demand and emissions indirectly.
10.4 Clean transport and urban mitigation
- Public transport: Metro projects, electric buses in many cities.
- Electric mobility: Push for EVs reduces oil imports and local pollution (if electricity becomes cleaner).
- Fuel standards: Cleaner fuel and stricter vehicle norms reduce pollution (climate benefit depends on CO2 impact as well).
10.5 Industry decarbonisation (hard but necessary)
- Steel and cement: These are major emitters. Solutions include energy efficiency, alternative fuels, green hydrogen (for steel), and lower-clinker cement.
- Carbon markets: Over time, carbon trading mechanisms can incentivize industry to reduce emissions cost-effectively.
10.6 Agriculture and adaptation focus
- Climate-resilient agriculture: drought-tolerant varieties, better irrigation, and soil health measures.
- Risk reduction: crop insurance, advisories, early warning systems.
- Water efficiency: micro-irrigation reduces stress in drought-prone regions.
10.7 Disaster management and climate resilience
- Cyclone resilience: Odisha is often cited for improved cyclone preparedness, early warning, and shelters.
- Flood and heat planning: urban heat action plans and better drainage planning reduce climate impacts.
- Infrastructure: resilient roads, bridges, and power systems reduce long-term losses.
10.8 Forests, carbon sinks, and community role
- Afforestation and restoration: supports India's sink target.
- Quality matters: not just planting trees, but ensuring survival, biodiversity, and community participation.
- Co-benefits: soil protection, water regulation, biodiversity, livelihoods.
11) India's Long-Term Strategy (LT-LEDS) and Net Zero 2070
Paris Agreement encourages countries to think long-term. India submitted its LT-LEDS and also announced net zero by 2070.
11.1 Why net zero is difficult for India
- Development needs: India must still provide energy access, jobs, housing, and infrastructure.
- Coal dependence: Coal is still important for base power and industry, and it supports jobs in mining regions.
- Finance and technology: deep decarbonisation needs large investment and advanced technology (storage, green hydrogen, industrial decarbonisation).
11.2 Why net zero is also an opportunity
- Renewable manufacturing: solar modules, wind components, battery supply chains can create jobs.
- Energy security: less oil and gas imports.
- Clean air co-benefit: lower fossil burning improves public health.
- Innovation: green hydrogen, low-carbon industry can create new markets.
12) India's Stand in Global Climate Negotiations (Use These in Mains)
12.1 Equity and climate justice
- India stresses equity and CBDR-RC.
- India argues that developed countries used more of the global carbon space historically, so they should take deeper cuts earlier and provide finance.
12.2 Climate finance and technology transfer
- India highlights the need for low-cost finance and technology transfer for developing countries.
- India often points out that tracking climate finance should be as serious as tracking mitigation progress.
12.3 Balanced approach: development + environment
- India aims for a "cleaner path than others at similar development level".
- India promotes LiFE to reduce wasteful consumption patterns.
13) Benefits of the Paris Agreement (Why It Matters Globally)
- Universal framework: almost all countries are part of one system.
- Long-term signal: gives direction towards low-carbon future.
- Regular ambition cycle: 5-year updates push countries to do more.
- Transparency: improves trust and accountability.
- Support focus: recognizes finance, technology, and capacity needs.
14) Limitations and Criticisms (Important for Analytical Mains Answers)
- NDC targets are nationally chosen: no punishment if targets are missed, so success depends on domestic political will.
- Finance gap: developing countries say finance delivery is inadequate compared to needs.
- Ambition gap: current NDCs globally may not be enough to reach 1.5°C pathway.
- Implementation gap: targets exist but policies and investments may be slow.
- Equity disputes: who should cut more, who should pay, and how to share carbon space remains debated.
15) Future Outlook and Challenges for India
15.1 Key challenges
- Just transition: coal regions need job and skill transition plans.
- Grid and storage: integrating large renewables needs strong grids and storage.
- Industry decarbonisation: steel, cement, chemicals need deeper technology shift.
- Adaptation burden: India is highly climate vulnerable, and adaptation needs major investment.
- Data and MRV: accurate emissions tracking is needed for transparency and carbon markets.
15.2 Way forward (best UPSC-ready points)
- Scale renewables + storage with grid modernisation.
- Boost energy efficiency in industry, buildings, and appliances.
- Accelerate green hydrogen for hard-to-abate sectors.
- Climate-resilient agriculture with micro-irrigation and advisories.
- Strengthen forest quality and community-led restoration for sinks.
- Improve climate finance access and develop domestic green finance markets.
- Promote LiFE to reduce wasteful consumption and improve sustainability culture.
16) 3 UPSC PYQs (With Answers)
UPSC Question (Prelims 2016)
With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The Agreement was signed by all the member countries of the UN and it will go into effect in 2017. 2. The Agreement aims to limit the greenhouse gas emissions so that the rise in average global temperature by the end of this century does not exceed 2°C or even 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. 3. Developed countries acknowledged their historical responsibility in global warming and committed to donate $1000 billion a year from 2020 to help developing countries to cope with climate change. Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation: Paris aims to keep warming well below 2°C and pursue 1.5°C. It did not go into effect in 2017 (it entered into force earlier), and the finance figure in the statement is incorrect.
UPSC Question (Prelims 2016)
The term 'Intended Nationally Determined Contributions' is sometimes seen in the news in the context of (a) pledges made by the European countries to rehabilitate refugees from the war-affected Middle East (b) plan of action outlined by the countries of the world to combat climate change (c) capital contributed by the member countries in the establishment of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (d) plan of action outlined by the countries of the world regarding Sustainable Development Goals
Answer: (b)
Explanation: INDCs were the intended climate action plans countries submitted before Paris came into force. After joining Paris, these become the first NDCs (unless changed).
UPSC Question (Prelims 2025)
Consider the following statements: Statement I: Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change is frequently discussed in global discussions on sustainable development and climate change. Statement II: Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change sets out the principles of carbon markets. Statement III: Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change intends to promote inter-country non-market strategies to reach their climate targets. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I (b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I (c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I (d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Article 6 includes both market cooperation (carbon markets) and non-market cooperation. That is why Article 6 is frequently discussed.
17) 10 Practice MCQs with Explanations (UPSC Pattern)
MCQ 1
The Paris Agreement was adopted in:
- (a) 1997
- (b) 2005
- (c) 2015
- (d) 2020
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Paris Agreement was adopted at COP21 in 2015.
MCQ 2
The main temperature goal of the Paris Agreement is to:
- (a) Keep warming below 4°C
- (b) Keep warming well below 2°C and pursue 1.5°C
- (c) Keep warming below 3°C only
- (d) Keep warming below 2°C only, without 1.5°C
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Paris aims well below 2°C and pursue efforts to limit to 1.5°C.
MCQ 3
NDCs under the Paris Agreement are updated:
- (a) Every year
- (b) Every 2 years
- (c) Every 5 years
- (d) Every 10 years
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Paris Agreement follows a 5-year ambition cycle and expects progression in each NDC.
MCQ 4
Which of the following best describes CBDR-RC?
- (a) Only developed countries should act
- (b) Only developing countries should act
- (c) All should act, but responsibilities differ based on history and capacity
- (d) Climate action is optional for all countries
Answer: (c)
Explanation: CBDR-RC means shared responsibility but differentiated burden and capability.
MCQ 5
India's updated NDC (2022) includes which emissions intensity target?
- (a) 25% reduction by 2030 from 2005
- (b) 33–35% reduction by 2030 from 2005
- (c) 45% reduction by 2030 from 2005
- (d) Net zero by 2030
Answer: (c)
Explanation: India updated its emissions intensity target to 45% reduction by 2030 from 2005 level.
MCQ 6
India's updated NDC (2022) includes which non-fossil installed power capacity goal by 2030?
- (a) About 25%
- (b) About 40%
- (c) About 50%
- (d) About 90%
Answer: (c)
Explanation: India's updated NDC mentions about 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil resources by 2030.
MCQ 7
The Global Stocktake (GST) happens:
- (a) Every year
- (b) Every 3 years
- (c) Every 5 years
- (d) Every 20 years
Answer: (c)
Explanation: GST is a 5-year process to assess collective progress and inform stronger NDCs.
MCQ 8
Which of the following is included in India's Panchamrit?
- (a) Net zero by 2050
- (b) 500 GW non-fossil energy capacity by 2030
- (c) Ban all coal by 2030
- (d) Zero emissions intensity by 2030
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Panchamrit includes 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030 and net zero by 2070, not 2050.
MCQ 9
Article 6 of the Paris Agreement is mainly about:
- (a) Ocean acidification only
- (b) International cooperation through market and non-market approaches
- (c) Only climate finance reporting
- (d) Only banning plastic
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 6 provides cooperative approaches, including carbon markets and non-market strategies.
MCQ 10
Which statement is most correct about the Paris Agreement?
- (a) Only developed countries have any role
- (b) It is not legally binding in any way
- (c) Countries must submit and update NDCs and report progress, but targets are nationally decided
- (d) It replaces UNFCCC completely
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Paris creates binding obligations for planning, reporting, and updating. Targets are nationally determined.
18) Quick Revision (Write These in Prelims Notes)
- Paris Agreement adopted in 2015 (COP21), entered into force in 2016.
- Main goals: well below 2°C, pursue 1.5°C + adaptation + finance alignment.
- NDCs updated every 5 years; each new NDC should be more ambitious.
- Global Stocktake every 5 years to assess collective progress.
- India updated NDC (2022): 45% emissions intensity reduction by 2030 from 2005; about 50% non-fossil installed power capacity by 2030; 2.5–3 bn tCO2e additional sink by 2030.
- Panchamrit (COP26, 2021): 500 GW non-fossil by 2030; 50% energy requirements from renewables; 1 bn tonnes emission reduction by 2030; 45% intensity reduction by 2030; net zero 2070.
- India stresses CBDR-RC, equity, climate finance, and technology transfer.