India Sees Sharpest Rise in Greenhouse Gas Emissions in 2024

Why in the News?

According to The Hindu Data Team, India registered the largest absolute increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions among all nations in 2024, even as its per capita emissions remained less than half the global average.  This dual trend- rising total emissions but low per capita footprint- underscores India’s developmental challenges and its position in global climate negotiations.

Background

• Global GHG Scenario (2024): Total global GHG emissions reached an all-time high of 57,700 MtCO₂e, about 1,500 MtCO₂e higher than in 2023.
• Major Emitters:
  • China – 1st
  • United States – 2nd
  • India – 3rd
• India’s Contribution: India alone contributed 165 MtCO₂e to the global annual increase — the largest absolute rise among all countries. China followed with 126 MtCO₂e.
• The data highlights the tension between India’s economic growth trajectory and its climate responsibility commitments, especially as discussions at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, emphasise emissions equity.

Feature

Sectoral Composition of Global GHGs (2024):

• Fossil CO₂ emissions (coal, oil, gas): 69% of global GHGs.
• Methane (CH₄): 16%, largely from agriculture and waste.
• Deforestation and land-use changes: major contributors to the year’s increase.

Primary Sources of Fossil CO₂ Emissions:

• Power generation – largest share
• Industrial combustion
• Transportation
• Fuel production and processing

India’s Emissions Profile:

• Per capita emissions: 3 tCO₂e (against the global average of 6.4 tCO₂e).
• Per capita growth rate (2023–2024): +3.7%, versus global average +0.04%.
• Despite low intensity, the absolute increase signals expanding industrialisation, power demand, and transportation use.

Comparative Perspective:

• India’s low per capita figure demonstrates its developmental stage, yet the rising growth rate indicates the urgency of clean energy transition and sustainable urbanisation.

Challenge

• Balancing Growth and Emission Control: India’s economic expansion relies heavily on coal-based energy, leading to rising emissions despite renewable initiatives.
• Energy Transition Costs: Shifting from fossil fuels to renewables requires massive investments in grid infrastructure, storage, and policy incentives.
• Urban and Industrial Emissions: Rapid urbanisation and expanding industrial clusters contribute significantly to fossil CO₂ growth.
• Agricultural Methane: Methane emissions from livestock and rice cultivation remain difficult to mitigate without affecting livelihoods.
• Deforestation and Land-Use Change: Land conversion for development and mining continues to erode India’s carbon sink potential.
• Global Pressure: As India’s total emissions rise, developed nations may push for stronger commitments, even though India’s per capita levels remain modest.
  

Way Forward

• Accelerate Renewable Energy Deployment: Scale up solar, wind, and green hydrogen capacity to reduce coal dependency in power generation.
• Enhance Energy Efficiency: Strengthen efficiency norms in industries, transport, and construction sectors.
• Address Methane Emissions: Introduce methane-reducing feed additives, better waste management, and rice cultivation innovations (e.g., alternate wetting and drying techniques).
• Protect and Expand Forest Cover: Implement aggressive afforestation and carbon sink enhancement programs under India’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
• Adopt Carbon Accounting at Local Levels: Promote city-level emission inventories and state-wise carbon budgeting to track mitigation progress.
• International Climate Finance: Push developed countries to fulfil climate finance commitments to support India’s clean transition, in line with Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR).

Conclusion

India’s 2024 emission trends reveal a paradox of quantitative growth and qualitative restraint, it is the third-largest emitter globally, yet its per capita emissions remain far below the world average. This reflects both India’s developmental aspirations and its commitment to equitable climate responsibility.