India's decision not to sign the Global Methane Pledge at the 2021 Conference of Parties (COP26) in Glasgow is rooted in various economic, social, and technical considerations outlined by the Government of India.
India classifies its methane emissions as survival emissions, primarily arising from small and marginal agricultural practices. In contrast, it views the emissions from developed nations as luxury emissions.
The pledge could significantly affect small, marginal, and medium farmers involved in paddy cultivation and livestock management, putting their livelihoods at risk.
As a leading rice producer and exporter, India's agricultural output and trade could suffer due to restrictions imposed by the pledge.
The Indian government highlights the shorter lifespan of methane (approximately 12 years) compared to CO2, which can persist for 100-1,000 years. This suggests that an undue emphasis on methane may detract from essential CO2 reduction efforts.
India's significant cattle population plays a vital role in many livelihoods and contributes minimally to global enteric methane emissions, largely due to the utilization of agricultural by-products and alternative feed sources.
The Methane Pledge is positioned outside the frameworks of the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, which India has formally committed to.
Even without endorsing the pledge, India actively pursues methane reduction through initiatives like the NICRA project, which promotes innovative agricultural techniques such as the System for Rice Intensification and Direct Seeded Rice.
India's stance on the Global Methane Pledge illustrates a careful balancing act between its developmental needs, agricultural realities, and obligations to global environmental standards.
Q1. Why did India refuse to sign the Global Methane Pledge?
Answer: India refused to sign the Global Methane Pledge due to concerns over the impact on agriculture, livelihoods, and its classification of emissions as survival versus luxury.
Q2. What are 'survival emissions'?
Answer: 'Survival emissions' refer to methane emissions originating from essential agricultural activities, particularly by small and marginal farmers, as opposed to luxury emissions from developed nations.
Q3. How does the Methane Pledge affect India's agriculture?
Answer: The Methane Pledge could threaten India's agricultural productivity, impacting small farmers who rely on paddy cultivation and livestock for their livelihoods.
Q4. What initiatives is India undertaking to reduce methane emissions?
Answer: India is engaged in initiatives like the NICRA project, focusing on innovative agricultural practices to effectively reduce methane emissions while supporting farmers.
Q5. What is the significance of CO2 reduction compared to methane?
Answer: CO2 has a much longer atmospheric lifespan than methane, making its reduction critical for long-term climate stability, which India emphasizes in its environmental strategies.
Question 1: What is the primary reason for India's refusal to sign the Global Methane Pledge?
A) Economic growth concerns
B) Impact on agricultural livelihoods
C) International pressure
D) Lack of scientific evidence
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: How does India classify its methane emissions?
A) Industrial emissions
B) Survival emissions
C) Luxury emissions
D) Natural emissions
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: Which project is India using to promote sustainable agricultural practices?
A) Project Green India
B) NICRA project
C) Sustainable Farming Initiative
D) National Agricultural Mission
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What does India emphasize regarding CO2 and methane emissions?
A) Methane is more harmful than CO2
B) CO2 reduction is less important
C) Methane has a shorter lifespan than CO2
D) Both are equally important
Correct Answer: C
Question 5: What is a major concern related to the Methane Pledge for India?
A) Increased carbon emissions
B) Threat to rice export
C) Loss of cattle population
D) Increased agricultural subsidies
Correct Answer: B
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