India’s First Biannual Transparency Report (BTR) in Final Stages
Context
India is preparing to submit its first-ever Biannual Transparency Report (BTR) as part of its commitment to the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change.
- This report will provide an updated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory, sectoral contributions, and India’s transition efforts toward renewable energy.
- BTRs are mandated under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), but only developed countries were previously required to submit them.
- At COP-21 in 2015, all signatories, including India, committed to submitting BTRs. However, nations only started complying in 2024 following the COP-29 summit in Baku.
Key Highlights of India’s BTR
- First-ever Submission:
- India is in the final stages of preparing its first Biannual Transparency Report.
- The report will present data up to 2022 and will be subject to external review by UNFCCC-accredited experts.
- Missed 2024 Deadline: Countries were required to submit their BTRs by December 2024, but several, including India, missed the deadline.
- Updated Emissions Data:
- In its last Biannual Update Report (BUR), India reported a 7.93% drop in GHG emissions in 2020 due to reduced energy consumption during COVID-19 lockdowns.
- The upcoming BTR is expected to show an increase in emissions, in line with global trends.
- India’s Global Emissions Share:
- India contributes 4% to 5% of global emissions.
- In per capita terms, its emissions remain less than one-third of the global average.
- Focus on Energy Efficiency & Renewable Transition: The report will highlight India’s initiatives to improve energy efficiency and increase reliance on renewable energy sources.
Significance & Way Forward
- The BTR enhances India’s transparency in climate reporting and strengthens its credibility under the Paris Agreement.
- It will help assess India’s progress toward climate goals, including the Net-Zero target by 2070.
- The UNFCCC’s external review will provide feedback on data accuracy and policy effectiveness, ensuring alignment with global climate action standards.
- India’s BTR submission marks a major step in climate accountability, reflecting its commitment to sustainable development and global climate leadership.
