Context: Recently, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Emissions Gap Report 2025 highlighted that In 2024, India recorded the highest absolute rise in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally, yet maintained low per capita emissions, reflecting its development–climate balance.
Global Emissions: What’s the Current Status?:-
- Global Record: Global GHG emissions reached 57,700 MtCO₂e in 2024 — the highest ever, up by 1,500 MtCO₂e from 2023.
- India’s Contribution: India added 165 MtCO₂e, the largest national increase, followed by China (126 MtCO₂e).
- Emission Rank: India became the third-largest emitter, after China and the United States
Sectoral Share (Global):-
- Fossil Fuels: 69% of emissions mainly from power generation, industry, and transport.
- Methane: 16%, mostly from agriculture and waste.
- Deforestation & Land Use: Deforestation and land-use change also contributed significantly.
India’s Profile: A Tale of Two Metrics?
India’s emission data presents a critical paradox, central to the “Common But Differentiated Responsibilities” (CBDR) debate.
- Absolute Emissions: India was the 3rd largest GHG emitter in absolute terms, following China and the United States.
- Absolute Increase: India contributed 165 MtCO2e to the global rise in 2024, the largest absolute increase registered by any single nation.
- The Per Capita Context: Despite high absolute numbers, India’s per capita emissions stand at 3 tCO2e. This is less than half the global average of 6.4 tCO2e.
- A Point of Concern: India’s per capita emissions grew at 3.7% between 2023 and 2024, a rate significantly faster than the global average increase of 0.04%.
Why Does This Data Matter for Policy? This data presents a dual policy imperative for India. Internationally, low per capita emissions bolster its negotiating position on “climate justice” at forums like the UNFCCC. Domestically, the high emissions growth rate underscores the urgent need to accelerate the transition to renewable energy and implement mitigation strategies across key sectors
