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India’s Engagement in Carbon Markets: A Step Towards Sustainability

Understanding the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and Its Implications

India’s Engagement in Carbon Markets: A Step Towards Sustainability

  • 28 Mar, 2024
  • 276

India's Participation in the U.S.-Led Carbon Markets Initiative

Recently, India announced its decision to join a U.S.-led initiative under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), which focuses on developing carbon markets. This initiative falls under the "clean energy pillar" of the IPEF.

Understanding Carbon Markets

Carbon markets allow nations and companies to trade carbon emission permits. Entities that emit less than their allocated permits can sell their excess to those who exceed their limits. This trading system serves as an incentive to reduce overall emissions, promoting a more sustainable environment.

Implications of India's Participation

By joining this initiative, India signals its readiness to collaborate with the U.S. and other IPEF members to establish a robust system for trading carbon credits. This step could significantly aid India in achieving its climate change objectives.

Other Clean Energy Initiatives under IPEF

India is also evaluating participation in two additional clean energy programs under the IPEF:

  • Clean Electricity: This initiative aims to promote the adoption of clean energy sources such as solar and wind power.
  • Sustainable Aviation Fuel: This program seeks to explore the increased use of sustainable fuels in aviation, which is crucial for reducing emissions in the airline industry.

India's decision on these programs will come after thorough assessment and evaluation.

What is the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)?

The IPEF is a U.S.-led initiative designed to establish common standards and regulations concerning various trade-related issues in the Indo-Pacific region. The framework encompasses four main pillars:

  • Connectivity and Digital Trade
  • Resilient Supply Chains
  • Clean Energy
  • Corruption-Free Fair Trade

Reasons Behind the Creation of IPEF

Some analysts propose that the U.S. established the IPEF to counter China's growing economic influence in the Indo-Pacific region. By offering an alternative economic framework, the U.S. aims to enhance its economic partnerships with other nations in this critical area.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What are carbon markets and how do they work?
Answer: Carbon markets are systems that allow countries and companies to trade carbon emission permits, incentivizing lower emissions by allowing those who emit less to sell excess permits to those exceeding their limits.

Q2. What is the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)?
Answer: The IPEF is a U.S.-led initiative aimed at establishing common standards and rules on trade-related issues across the Indo-Pacific region, focusing on connectivity, supply chains, clean energy, and fair trade.

Q3. What is the significance of sustainable aviation fuel?
Answer: Sustainable aviation fuel is crucial for reducing emissions in the aviation sector, contributing to climate goals and promoting cleaner energy sources within the industry.

Q4. How will India's participation in IPEF impact its climate goals?
Answer: India's involvement in IPEF's carbon markets initiative is expected to help the country develop a trading system for carbon credits, aiding in the achievement of its climate change objectives.

Q5. Why did the U.S. create the IPEF?
Answer: The U.S. established the IPEF to counterbalance China's economic influence in the Indo-Pacific, thereby strengthening its economic ties with regional countries through an alternative framework.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the main focus of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)?
A) Sustainable agriculture
B) Clean energy
C) Military alliances
D) Space exploration
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Which clean energy initiative is India considering under IPEF?
A) Carbon offsetting
B) Clean electricity
C) Hydro power development
D) Nuclear energy expansion
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: What do carbon markets facilitate?
A) Trade of goods
B) Trading carbon emission permits
C) Development of renewable resources
D) Financial investments
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: What is one aim of the sustainable aviation fuel program?
A) Increase air travel
B) Reduce emissions in aviation
C) Promote conventional fuels
D) Develop military aircraft
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: What is the significance of India's participation in carbon markets?
A) To increase trade with China
B) To support climate change goals
C) To reduce imports
D) To expand manufacturing
Correct Answer: B

Question 6: How many pillars does the IPEF have?
A) Two
B) Three
C) Four
D) Five
Correct Answer: C

Question 7: What is the aim of the clean electricity program under IPEF?
A) To promote fossil fuels
B) To enhance rural electrification
C) To support clean energy sources
D) To develop nuclear power
Correct Answer: C

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