The issue of India’s economic growth versus emissions
Context
India’s Economic Survey (2023-24) claims the country has achieved relative decoupling of economic growth from greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Between 2005 and 2019, India’s GDP grew at 7% CAGR, while emissions increased at a slower 4% CAGR. This raises questions about whether India is on the path to sustainable growth and what this means for global climate action.
Relevance:
GS-02 (Growth and development)
Dimensions of the Article
- What is decoupling?
- Key Highlights
- Significance
What is decoupling?
- Decoupling refers to breaking the link between economic growth and environmental harm.
- It can be absolute decoupling, where GDP grows and emissions fall, or relative decoupling, where GDP grows faster than emissions.
- India’s Decoupling Journey
- Since 1990, India’s GDP has grown six times, while GHG emissions have tripled, indicating relative decoupling.
- The agriculture and manufacturing sectors, major emission contributors, also show slower emission growth compared to their economic output.
- Challenges Ahead
- Absolute decoupling, where emissions decline despite economic growth, remains unattained.
- For a developing country like India, where emissions haven’t peaked, achieving absolute decoupling is a distant goal.
Key Highlights
- Relative Decoupling Achieved: India’s economic growth has consistently outpaced its emissions growth.
- Sectoral Insights: While agriculture and manufacturing are emission-intensive, they too have shown signs of relative decoupling.
- Economic Growth Drivers: Trade liberalisation since the 1990s has supported steady GDP growth, though it continues to add environmental pressures.
Significance
- Path to Sustainability: Relative decoupling shows that economic growth can coexist with controlled emissions, an essential step for sustainable development.
- Global Leadership: India’s progress in decoupling demonstrates its commitment to climate action while addressing developmental needs.
- Balancing Act: Economic growth is necessary for tackling poverty and improving living standards, even as climate challenges persist.
Way Forward
- Focus on Renewable Energy: Accelerate the adoption of clean energy to reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
- Strengthen Policies: Implement stricter emission norms and incentivise low-carbon technologies across industries.
- Global Cooperation: leverage international funds and partnerships for climate-friendly infrastructure and innovations.
- Long-Term Vision: While relative decoupling is a milestone, India must aim for absolute decoupling to meet its climate commitments and ensure long-term sustainability.
- By embracing innovative policies and sustainable practices, India can balance its developmental aspirations with environmental responsibilities, paving the way for a greener future.
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