Key Terms & Concepts — UPSC Mains
Net-Zero Emissions
"A state in which greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere are balanced by equivalent removals"
Net-zero emissions refers to achieving a balance between the amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted into the atmosphere and the amount removed — through natural sinks (forests, oceans) or technological carbon capture. It does not mean zero emissions but a carbon-neutral state where remaining emissions are offset. The IPCC defines global net-zero CO₂ as requiring emissions reductions of ~45% by 2030 (vs 2010) and reaching net-zero around 2050 to limit warming to 1.5°C.
India has committed to Net-Zero by 2070 (announced by PM Modi at COP26, Glasgow, 2021 — part of India's Panchamrit/Five-Point Climate Pledge). UPSC tests this in GS3 (environment) and current affairs. Distinguish from: Carbon Neutral (individual/corporate), Climate Neutral (includes all GHGs + other impacts), and Deep Decarbonisation (structural economic transformation).
- 1 India's net-zero target year is 2070 — later than China (2060), USA/EU (2050)
- 2 India's Panchamrit pledge (COP26): 500 GW non-fossil fuel by 2030; 50% energy from renewables; reduce emissions intensity 45% vs 2005; net-zero by 2070
- 3 Hard-to-abate sectors (cement, steel, aviation, shipping) require CCUS technology — Budget 2026-27 allocated Rs 20,000 crore for CCUS
- 4 Carbon sinks: India's forests offset ~2.29 billion tCO₂ annually (Economic Survey 2024-25)
- 5 IPCC AR6 (2022): Current NDCs lead to ~2.5°C warming — net-zero pledges insufficient without stronger near-term action
- 6 Loss and Damage Fund: COP27 established; COP29 NCQG pledged USD 300bn/year by developed nations
India achieving 46.8% non-fossil fuel installed electricity capacity by 2025 (ahead of the 40% NDC target for 2030) reflects credible near-term progress toward the net-zero pathway.