India has approved a major climate commitment to reduce its emissions intensity by 47% by 2035, using 2005 as the baseline year. The decision, announced by Information Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, forms part of the country’s formal climate pledges under the Paris Agreement.
Emissions intensity measures how much greenhouse gas a country emits relative to the size of its economy. India has already reduced this metric by 36% between 2005 and 2020, even as its economy expanded rapidly.
As the world’s fastest‑growing major economy, India plans to increase the share of installed clean‑energy capacity from 52% today to 60% within the next decade. However, absolute emissions continue to rise alongside economic growth, and India frequently highlights its low per‑capita emissions when calling on developed nations to take stronger climate action.
The announcement comes amid rising domestic energy demand, including record‑high coal‑based power consumption during prolonged heatwaves. It also follows global pressure for countries to strengthen their climate commitments, especially as some major economies scale back environmental policies.
India submitted its updated climate pledge nearly six months after the deadline for revised nationally determined contributions (NDCs). Critics argue that emerging economies such as India and China remain conservative in their targets, though India has already met its goal of achieving 50% clean‑power capacity by 2025—five years ahead of schedule.
By comparison, the European Union aims to cut emissions 90% by 2040 from 1990 levels, highlighting the varied pace of global climate ambition.
Sourced from: “India aims to cut emissions intensity by 47% by 2035 from 2005 levels” (Reuters)
Image sourced from: sheikh sohel on Unsplash
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Other events in 2026:
ESG and Sustainability International Summit and Industry 5.0 Conference and Exhibition – June 10-11, 2026; Location: Sao Paulo, Brazil
A premier regional platform for industry leaders to discuss sustainability, ESG strategies, and regulatory advancements in cement and construction. This event brings together thought leaders and corporate professionals from around the world to explore the latest trends in sustainable finance, legal frameworks, and industry innovations.
We are also including panel discussions on Industry 5.0 to discuss how AI and Automation and other smart solutions are contributing to the decarbonization of the cement & construction industry.
The event is designed to inspire, educate, and empower corporate attendees to drive sustainable progress and create a positive impact on our planet and society, previous editions were held in Madeira, Portugal and Cairo, Egypt in 2024 and 2025 respectively.
Cementitious Materials International technical and Trade Congress Europe, 28 – 29 October, Brussels, Belgium
The EMEA edition of the Cementitious Materials International technical and Trade Congress is poised to build om success stories of past events – the first edition was held in Casablanca, Morocco in April 2024 and the second edition was also held in Cairo earlier this year.
This is once again an opportunity to network with your peers and leaders in the industry, gain first-hand insights on regional trends, learn from industry experts about the latest market dynamics, regulatory changes and future outlook of cementitious materials in the region.
See link for the summary of the last edition – Cementitious Materials International TechTrade Congress – EMEA | Cairo, Egypt | June 3-4, 2025 (Overview here)
CarbonZero Alternative Fuels & Raw Materials Global Conference & Exhibition 2026 to include Cementitious Europe – Congress, 28 – 29 October, Brussels, Belgium
This premier global platform, CarbonZero brings together senior decision-makers to accelerate the transition to Net Zero in cement and construction. The conference will explore green alternatives—ranging from alternative fuels and raw materials to clinker substitutes-alongside emerging technologies, carbon capture, financing and investment strategies, policy developments, and industry standards. This C-level gathering convenes leaders from cement manufacturing, construction, technology, research, academia, and regulatory institutions—united in shaping actionable and sustainable solutions.
