Environment and Climate: July 2024 to June 2026
COP29 (Baku, November 2024): The Finance COP
COP29 was designated the "Finance COP" because the NCQG (New Collective Quantified Goal) for climate finance , replacing the $100 billion annual commitment from 2009 , was the primary agenda item. The outcome was widely criticised by developing countries as inadequate.
Key outcomes:
| Outcome | Details |
|---|---|
| NCQG | Developed countries committed to $300 billion per year by 2035. Developing countries (including India) demanded $1.3 trillion. India called the outcome "disappointing" and "an optical illusion." The $300 billion is a floor, not a ceiling, but there is no enforcement mechanism |
| Carbon markets (Article 6.4) | Rules for the global carbon crediting mechanism were finalised. This allows countries to trade emission reduction credits. India is expected to be a major seller |
| Fossil fuel language | The text from COP28 (Dubai, 2023) calling for "transitioning away from fossil fuels" was reaffirmed. India and Saudi Arabia attempted to weaken the language but were unsuccessful |
COP30 (Belem, November 2025): The Implementation COP
| Outcome | Details |
|---|---|
| NCQG revised | After criticism of the $300 billion target at COP29, a revised framework was agreed: $500 billion per year by 2030, with a review mechanism in 2028 |
| Global Stocktake | The first GST (COP28, 2023) found the world was not on track for the 1.5°C target. COP30 updated national NDCs |
| India's NDC | Updated: 50% non-fossil capacity by 2030, 45% emissions intensity reduction, and a new target: 10% nuclear electricity by 2040 |
| Loss and Damage Fund | Operationalised. World Bank as interim host. India has not contributed or accessed the fund |
Climate Litigation in India
The Supreme Court's Ranjitsinh judgment (April 2026) recognised a fundamental right against climate change under Articles 21 and 14. This is the most significant environmental judgment since M.C. Mehta (1986). The Court directed the government to enact a climate adaptation law and establish an independent Climate Commission.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has become the primary judicial forum for climate-related disputes. Key orders:
- Great Nicobar Project (2024): The NGT took suo moto cognizance of environmental concerns. The project involves felling 8.5 lakh trees, affecting the Nicobar Megapode and Leatherback turtle. The NGT formed an expert committee to review the clearance
- Coastal Regulation Zone violations (2024-2026) : The NGT imposed penalties on state governments for non-compliance with CRZ norms in Goa, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu
- Stubble burning (2025) : The NGT directed Punjab, Haryana, and UP to pay environmental compensation of ₹50,000 per incident of stubble burning. The Supreme Court upheld the NGT order
Environmental Legislation and Policy
Environment Protection Act, 1986 amendments (2025) : The EPA was amended to increase penalties for violations. The maximum penalty was raised from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 crore. Continuing violations attract an additional penalty of ₹1 crore per day. The amendment also introduced a provision for the government to exempt "strategic projects" from public hearing requirements , a provision criticised by environmental groups.
Forest Conservation Amendment Act, 2023: The amendment, which exempts strategic linear projects (roads, railways near international borders) from forest clearance requirements, came into full effect in 2024. It also exempted land within 100 km of international borders from the provisions of the Forest Conservation Act. The amendment was challenged in the Supreme Court, which refused to stay it but agreed to examine its constitutionality.
Biological Diversity Amendment Act, 2023: The amendment, which came into force in 2024, decriminalised several offences under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and reduced the regulatory burden on AYUSH practitioners (who were previously required to seek approval from the National Biodiversity Authority for using biological resources). This was criticised as weakening India's biodiversity protection framework.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework: The EPR framework for plastic waste, e-waste, and battery waste was strengthened. By 2025, producers must recycle 70% of the plastic they introduce into the market (up from 50% in 2023). EPR for e-waste: producers must collect and recycle 60% of the e-waste generated from their products (up from 40%). The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is the nodal agency for EPR compliance.
Pollution and Air Quality
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) continued to be the primary institutional mechanism for air pollution control in the National Capital Region. Key measures:
- Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) : Stages I to IV, triggered based on AQI. Stage IV (AQI > 450) bans all construction, entry of non-essential trucks, and shifts schools to online mode
- Stubble burning: Despite CAQM's efforts, stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana continued. The number of incidents declined from 49,000 (2022) to 27,000 (2024), partly due to the CRM (Crop Residue Management) scheme and partly due to enforcement (fines, red entries in land records)
- Bio-decomposer: The Pusa bio-decomposer, developed by ICAR-IARI (Indian Agricultural Research Institute), was distributed free to farmers. It decomposes stubble into compost within 20 days. Adoption increased, but remains below 50% of the total area under paddy cultivation
Water pollution: The Namami Gange programme completed its second phase. Key achievements: 187 sewage treatment plants (STPs) were operationalised, treating 5,800 MLD (million litres per day) of sewage. The target is 7,000 MLD by 2026. The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) reported that the Ganga's water quality improved in 40 of 97 monitored locations. The main challenge remains: untreated sewage (approximately 3,000 MLD still flows into the Ganga).
Plastic pollution: India's ban on single-use plastics (July 2022) was strengthened in 2025. The ban now covers 25 categories (up from 19). Enforcement remains weak: only 12 states have dedicated enforcement squads. The EPR framework is the primary regulatory mechanism. India is a signatory to the UN Global Plastics Treaty negotiations (the treaty is expected to be finalised by 2025, but negotiations are ongoing).
India's Climate Commitments and Progress
India's updated NDC (2022): 50% non-fossil electricity capacity by 2030, 45% emissions intensity reduction by 2030, net-zero by 2070. Progress by 2026:
| Target | Progress |
|---|---|
| 50% non-fossil capacity by 2030 | 45% achieved (June 2026). Solar: 92 GW. Wind: 48 GW. Nuclear: 8 GW. Large hydro: 47 GW. Total: 195 GW out of 432 GW installed capacity |
| 45% emissions intensity reduction | Approximately 33% reduction achieved (from 2005 levels). Driven by renewable energy expansion and energy efficiency programmes (PAT scheme, UJALA LED programme) |
| Net-zero by 2070 | Long-term strategy submitted to the UNFCCC. Key pillars: renewable energy, green hydrogen, nuclear power, and carbon capture. The Nuclear Energy Mission (announced 2025) targets 50 GW nuclear capacity by 2047 |
| Carbon sink (2.5-3 billion tonnes CO2 equivalent by 2030) | Forest and tree cover: 25.2% (ISFR 2025). Progress is slow. The target requires significant expansion of afforestation |
Green Hydrogen Mission: Target: 5 million metric tonnes annual production by 2030. The SIGHT (Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition) Phase II was approved in May 2026. Incentive: ₹50/kg for the first 3 years. Three pilot projects for green hydrogen in steel, ammonia, and refining. India has an advantage: low-cost renewable energy. The challenge: electrolyser manufacturing capacity (India currently imports most electrolysers from China).
Sovereign Green Bonds: India issued its first sovereign green bonds in January 2023 (₹16,000 crore). The second issuance was in January 2024 (₹20,000 crore). By 2026, India has raised ₹65,000 crore through sovereign green bonds. The proceeds are used for: renewable energy transmission, afforestation, electric bus procurement, and coastal protection. The framework is aligned with ICMA (International Capital Market Association) Green Bond Principles.
International Environmental Agreements
Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (2022) : The framework, adopted at COP15 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), set 23 targets for 2030. The most significant: 30x30 , protect 30% of the world's land and oceans by 2030. India's National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) was updated in 2024 to align with the framework. India has designated 18% of its land as protected areas (national parks, sanctuaries, conservation and community reserves). Achieving 30% is challenging, given India's population density and competing land uses.
High Seas Treaty (BBNJ Agreement, 2023) : The treaty on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (the "high seas") was adopted in June 2023 and opened for signature in September 2023. India signed the treaty in March 2024. It has not yet ratified it. The treaty is significant because: (a) the high seas cover 64% of the ocean and are currently unregulated for biodiversity protection, (b) it establishes a mechanism for creating Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the high seas, (c) it regulates access to and benefit-sharing from marine genetic resources.