Context & Background
- India is finalizing its first-ever Biannual Transparency Report (BTR) under the Paris Agreement (COP-21, 2015).
- The BTR is part of a global effort to improve transparency in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reporting.
- While developing countries like India were previously exempt, all UNFCCC signatories now must submit BTRs.
Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology)
Significance of the BTR
- Unlike earlier National Communications and Biannual Update Reports (BURs), the BTR will undergo a technical review by independent UNFCCC-accredited experts.
- Marks a shift from self-reporting to externally verified transparency.
India’s Reporting Timeline & Challenges
- Countries were to submit BTRs by December 2024, but many, including India, missed the deadline.
- The delay stems from challenges in data collection, standardization, and reporting procedures.
Key Features of India’s BTR Submission
- Data Coverage: Will include GHG emission data up to 2022, compared to the BUR which covered data until 2020.
- Sectoral Coverage:
- Emissions from energy, industry, agriculture, and waste sectors.
- Measures for improving energy efficiency and renewable energy transitions.
- Resource Availability: Will highlight resource needs for mitigation and adaptation efforts.
Trends in India’s Emissions
- 2020 BUR Data: Reported a 7.93% reduction in emissions (largely due to COVID-19 lockdowns affecting energy consumption).
- Expected BTR Data: Likely to show an emissions increase post-pandemic, consistent with global trends.
- India’s emissions remain:
- 4% to 5% of global emissions.
- Per capita emissions less than one-third of the global average.
Broader Implications
- Reinforces India’s commitment to global climate goals while emphasizing its development needs.
- Positions India as a responsible stakeholder while continuing to demand climate justice and equity.
- External review process may improve global credibility but also pressure India for more ambitious targets.
Way Forward
- Strengthen domestic data collection systems for future compliance.
- Balance between economic growth and low-carbon development pathways.
- Explore international climate finance to meet mitigation and adaptation needs.
