Answer: Steps for Control of Carbon Emissions and Accumulation
Controlling carbon emissions and atmospheric accumulation is essential to limit global warming to 1.5-2°C as per the Paris Agreement. This requires a comprehensive approach spanning energy transition, efficiency improvements, carbon removal, policy mechanisms, and individual actions across all sectors of the economy.
1. Transition to Renewable Energy
The energy sector accounts for ~75% of global GHG emissions. Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewables is the most critical step.
- Solar Power: Utility-scale and rooftop solar PV installations (India target: 280 GW by 2030)
- Wind Energy: Onshore and offshore wind farms (140 GW by 2030)
- Hydropower: Large and small hydro projects
- Nuclear Energy: Zero-carbon baseload power
- Biomass/Biogas: Waste-to-energy plants
- Phase out Coal: Retire old coal plants, no new coal capacity
India's Target: 500 GW non-fossil electricity capacity by 2030 | 50% electricity from renewables | Net-Zero by 2070
2. Energy Efficiency Improvement
Reducing energy demand through efficiency is often the cheapest way to cut emissions.
Buildings:
- ECBC (Energy Conservation Building Code): Mandatory for commercial buildings
- BEE Star Rating: Efficient appliances, lighting (LED)
- Green Buildings: GRIHA, LEED certified structures
- Smart Buildings: Automated energy management systems
Industry:
- PAT Scheme: Perform, Achieve, Trade for industrial efficiency
- Waste Heat Recovery: Capture and reuse industrial heat
- Process Optimization: Modern equipment, automation
- Fuel Switching: Coal to gas to electricity/hydrogen
3. Clean Transportation
Transport accounts for ~16% of global emissions. Electrification and efficiency improvements are key.
- Electric Vehicles: FAME II providing ₹10,000 crore incentives
- Public Transport: Metro expansion, BRT systems, electric buses
- Biofuels: E20 ethanol blending target by 2025
- Hydrogen Fuel Cells: For heavy vehicles, buses
- Emission Norms: BS-VI standards reducing vehicular pollution
- Non-Motorized Transport: Cycling infrastructure, pedestrian zones
4. Carbon Capture, Storage and Utilization (CCUS)
For hard-to-abate sectors, capturing CO2 at source is essential.
| Step |
Description |
Technologies |
| Capture |
Remove CO2 from flue gases or air |
Post-combustion, pre-combustion, oxy-fuel, DAC |
| Transport |
Move captured CO2 |
Pipelines, ships, trucks |
| Storage |
Permanent sequestration |
Geological formations, depleted oil fields, saline aquifers |
| Utilization |
Convert CO2 to products |
Enhanced oil recovery, chemicals, fuels, building materials |
5. Afforestation and Forest Conservation
Forests are natural carbon sinks absorbing ~30% of anthropogenic CO2 emissions.
- Afforestation: Planting new forests on non-forested land
- Reforestation: Restoring degraded forests
- REDD+: Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation
- Green India Mission: Target 33% forest cover
- Agroforestry: Integrating trees with agriculture
- India target: Additional carbon sink of 2.5-3 billion tonnes CO2 equivalent by 2030
6. Sustainable Agriculture
Agriculture contributes ~14% of GHG emissions through methane and N2O.
- System of Rice Intensification (SRI): Reduces methane from paddy fields
- Precision Farming: Optimal fertilizer use reducing N2O
- Organic Farming: Reduces chemical inputs
- Livestock Management: Feed improvements, biogas from dung
- Crop Residue Management: Alternatives to stubble burning
7. Policy and Market Mechanisms
- Carbon Pricing: Carbon tax making emissions costly
- Emissions Trading: Cap-and-trade systems
- Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPO): Mandatory renewable share
- Green Bonds: Financing clean energy projects
- Subsidies: For EVs, solar, efficiency measures
- Regulations: Emission standards, efficiency mandates
8. Reducing Accumulation - Carbon Removal
Beyond reducing emissions, removing existing atmospheric CO2 is increasingly important.
- Natural Solutions: Forests, wetlands, oceans, soil carbon
- BECCS: Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage
- Direct Air Capture (DAC): Machines removing CO2 from air
- Enhanced Weathering: Accelerating natural rock weathering
- Ocean Fertilization: Enhancing ocean CO2 uptake
- Biochar: Converting biomass to stable carbon
9. Individual and Community Actions
- Energy conservation at home and workplace
- Use public transport, carpooling, cycling
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (3Rs)
- Plant trees and support conservation
- Choose sustainable products and services
- Spread awareness and advocate for climate action
Conclusion
Controlling carbon emissions and accumulation requires action across all sectors - energy, transport, industry, buildings, agriculture, and land use. Key strategies include renewable energy transition, energy efficiency, electrification of transport, CCUS, afforestation, and carbon removal technologies. Policy mechanisms like carbon pricing and regulations are essential enablers. India's commitment to 45% emission intensity reduction and Net-Zero by 2070 demonstrates the comprehensive approach needed. Success requires coordinated action by governments, businesses, and individuals globally.
Sources: Module 1, 2, 4 Notes | India's NDC | IPCC SR15 | IEA Net Zero Roadmap