BackIndia’s carbon intensity increases in 2013
India's carbon intensity increased by 0.9%, says a PWC report
Premium
PricewaterhouseCoopers has released its 2014 Low Carbon Economy Index report. Global climate change negotiations are on the anvil, and this is a topic that will engage attention. The consultancy says that the world has done its bit for climate change, as the carbon intensity index fell by 1.2% in 2013. Emerging economies get credit, with a significant 1.9% decline.
But the news back home is not encouraging. India’s carbon intensity increased by 0.9%, says the report. The country’s new government is committed to lift industrial growth, improve power generation through better utilization of coal reserves, and broadly appears to have given the right of way to growth over environmental considerations.
Rising coal consumption is a culprit. Renewable energy is growing but lags behind other developing countries. India can take some inspiration from China, whose effort to curb polluting industries and technology seems to be working, as carbon intensity fell by 4% in 2013. Its economy grew by 7.7% in real gross domestic product terms, compared with India’s 5% growth.
Now, the size of the carbon pie matters, too. Here, China takes the cake with a 27.6% share, while US comes second at 16.7%. Now, India’s share is relatively small at 5.6%, but that still places it at number three in the list. As economic growth recovers, this percentage may increase. That is likely to keep the spotlight on its carbon intensity in the coming years.
Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!
