$1.1 Trillion to Cut Carbon Emissions in India

September 14th, 2009 by Zachary Shahan

The United Nations stated a couple weeks ago that developed (rich) countries need to provide developing countries with about $500-600 billion a year to control global warming. This was a big increase from other predictions.

Big portions of these funds need to go to India, a large developing country that includes about one sixth of the world’s population. A new study shows what is needed to significantly cut growth in greenhouse gases in this top country.

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A new estimate of what India needs to switch to clean energy and seriously reduce its greenhouse gas growth comes to a total of about $874 billion to $1.1 trillion (over the course of several years). This is from leading business consultant firm McKinsey&Company.

Reducing Carbon Emissions in India by 2030

The report released last week, Environmental and Energy Sustainability: An Approach for India, said that India could cut its emissions in half by 2030 largely by investing in clean energy and implementing energy efficient measures. The effect: greenhouse gas emissions will grow from about 1.6 billion tons (in 2005) to about 2.8 billion tons (instead of 6.5 billion tons) in 2030.

The main ways in which India could cut emissions would be by investing in clean energy and implementing energy efficient measures (resulting in 28-34% in reductions). Additionally, however, investing in clean transportation, sustainable housing, and improved agriculture/forestry practices could reduce emissions by another 22-26%.

As the study says, India could become a world leader in green technology and in other areas of society as well if it takes this road to a greener future. “Considering that 80 per cent of the India of 2030 is yet to be built, the country may have a unique opportunity to pursue development while managing emissions growth, enhancing its energy security and creating a few world-scale clean technology industries.” In particular, India could be a leading pioneer in clean coal, solar energy, smart grids, and energy-efficient building technologies according to the authors. With proper investment, it could lead the world, but timing is key. As the report also says: “long-term planning and timely action will be critical… even a five-year delay in making the necessary investments could result in a loss of one-fourth of the identified abatement potential.”

There is big opportunity for India to become a world leader and an economic powerhouse in the near future. If it invests in rapidly developing green technology sectors, it could help to save the world (from climate change disaster) and leap into the front of the global economy. This is a significant lead-in to the climate change meeting in Copenhagen in December. Will India take this road?

via businessGreen

Image Credit 1: jpereira_net via flickr under a Creative Commons license

Image Credit 2: voobie via flickr under a Creative Commons license

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Tags: Climate Conference, Copenhagen, economics, global economy, Global Weirding, Green technology, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, greenhouse gases, India, McKinsey&Company, United Nations

About the Author

Zachary Shahan spends most of his time here on CleanTechnica as the director/chief editor. Otherwise, he's probably enthusiastically fulfilling his duties as the director/editor of Solar Love, EV Obsession, Planetsave, or Bikocity. Zach is recognized globally as a solar energy, electric car, and wind energy expert. If you would like him to speak at a related conference or event, connect with him via social media. You can connect with Zach on any popular social networking site you like. Links to all of his main social media profiles are on ZacharyShahan.com.

russ

No, India most likely will not take that road. In 2030 probably 50% of India 2030 will be yet to be built while all the money has been spent.

While they are always asking money from the world for investment in India the state companies rush to invest overseas – better opportunities for corruption for one thing.
russ

No, India most likely will not take that road. In 2030 probably 50% of India 2030 will be yet to be built while all the money has been spent.

While they are always asking money from the world for investment in India the state companies rush to invest overseas – better opportunities for corruption for one thing.
http://islandinthenet.com/ Khürt L Williams

Given that India incidence of diabetes and AIDS is one of the highest in the world, and that most of the population is uneducated and very poor do you think an Energy Efficiency program is something Indian politicians can convince voters to get behind as a major national priority?
http://islandinthenet.com/ Khürt L Williams

Given that India incidence of diabetes and AIDS is one of the highest in the world, and that most of the population is uneducated and very poor do you think an Energy Efficiency program is something Indian politicians can convince voters to get behind as a major national priority?