Answer: Steps for Control of Carbon Emissions
Controlling carbon emissions is crucial for mitigating climate change. Multiple approaches at various levels - policy, technology, industry, and individual - are needed.
1. Transition to Renewable Energy
- Replace fossil fuel power plants with solar, wind, hydro
- India target: 500 GW renewable capacity by 2030
- Phasing out coal-based power plants
- Grid modernization for renewable integration
2. Energy Efficiency Improvement
- BEE Star Ratings: Efficient appliances, equipment
- ECBC: Energy Conservation Building Code for buildings
- PAT Scheme for industrial energy efficiency
- LED lighting programs (UJALA)
- Smart grids reducing transmission losses
3. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
- Capture: Remove CO2 from industrial flue gases
- Transport: Move CO2 via pipelines
- Storage: Inject into geological formations
- Utilization (CCU): Convert CO2 to useful products
4. Afforestation and Reforestation
- Plant trees to absorb CO2 (carbon sinks)
- Restore degraded forests
- India target: 33% forest cover
- Green India Mission under NAPCC
5. Clean Transportation
- Electric vehicles: FAME II incentives
- Public transport expansion (Metro, BRT)
- Biofuel blending (E20 ethanol by 2025)
- Stringent emission norms (BS-VI)
6. Industrial Emission Reduction
- Clean production technologies
- Fuel switching - coal to gas to renewables
- Process efficiency improvements
- Waste heat recovery
7. Policy and Market Mechanisms
- Carbon pricing: Carbon tax, emissions trading
- Regulations: Emission standards, mandates
- Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPO)
- Green bonds and climate finance
8. Individual Actions
- Reduce energy consumption at home
- Use public transport, carpooling
- Reduce, reuse, recycle
- Plant trees, support green initiatives
India's Climate Commitments: 45% emission intensity reduction by 2030 | 50% non-fossil electricity | Net-Zero by 2070 | 1 billion tonnes carbon sink
Conclusion
Controlling carbon emissions requires a comprehensive approach including renewable energy transition, energy efficiency, carbon capture, afforestation, clean transport, industrial improvements, policy mechanisms, and individual actions. India's commitment to Net-Zero by 2070 and interim targets for 2030 demonstrate the multi-pronged strategy needed. All stakeholders - government, industry, and citizens - must contribute to achieving emission reduction goals.
Sources: Module 1 & 4 Notes | UNFCCC NDC | BEE