India’s 2070 net zero goal a ‘big’ and ‘bold’ step to some but ‘too late’ for others

Mr Singh said that the 2070 net zero target is both a “risk and an opportunity” for India with much depending on how green technologies evolve in developed countries. If advanced economies are able to invest and demonstrate that transitions are possible, there will be spillover effects allowing developing countries such as India to catch up.

“The 2070 target is not set in stone. It is just a target into the distance that you’re walking towards. You could go faster, you could go slow. It really depends on what happens in the interim,” he added.

India has been exploring the use of new technologies that could help reduce emissions, including a National Hydrogen Mission that was announced in August 2021. “We are looking at the fuels of the future that will drive our factories, heavy industries and long-distance transport,” added Dr Ghosh. “So the policy framework, the investment framework and bets on new technologies – all of these have to now be there to back up these commitments.”

Meanwhile, Greenpeace India has said the announcement for a net-zero emission by 2070 is “the right direction of travel” but added that India should actively strive for an earlier date of zero emissions after reassessing the situation in the coming years.

“The next 10 years are going to be crucial in achieving the climate target. The action plan must start reducing emissions at the sources as fast and as much as possible,” it said in a statement.

Agencies