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Emission levels rising faster in Indian cities than in China
Why urbanization?
- In most developed countries urbanization led to a reduction in emissions i.e. more urbanization meant shorter distances between the workplace and home and thereby, a preference for public transport.
- However this didn’t effectively apply to developing countries, the authors argue.
Data from various studies.
Study that analysed the link between population density and emissions from transport, across India's districts:
- On an average, an Indian emitted about 20 kg per capita while commuting for work.
- Highest i.e.140 kg CO2 in Gurugram district Haryana.
- Lowest 1.8 kg CO2 in Shrawasti district Uttar Pradesh.
According to study by peer-reviewed journal Environmental Research Letters:
- In China a 1% increase in urbanization linked with a 0.12% increase in CO2 emissions.
- In India, it is 0.24% increase.
According to data from the Global Carbon Project:
- India’s CO2 emission grew by an estimated 4.6% in 2017.
- Its per-capita emission was about 1.8 tonnes.
- In spite of being the 4th largest emitter, India's per capita emissions are much lower than the world average of 4.2 tonnes.
- Emissions have been growing steadily, with an average growth rate over the past decade of 6%.
Study regarding Fuel price hikes.
- Study says fuel price hikes aren’t always a solution to curb emissions.
- With a 1 increase in diesel price, commuting emissions decreased by 11% in some districts whereas it only fell by about 3% in low-income districts.
- Increasing gasoline prices as a strategy to mitigate commuting emissions for districts that have least commuting emissions and low socio-economic status find limited support.
- In total, India's transport patterns are very climate friendly than those of Europe and the United States.
- Some districts are mostly relying on three-wheelers for short commuting distances, while in highly urban, rich areas rely on cars.
Status of Delhi
- Delhi had the highest commuting emissions per capita that contributed to its high level of pollution.
- Delhi had 2.5 times higher commuting emissions than Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.
- Delhi’s higher socio-economic status and heavy reliance on private travel modes led to higher commuting emissions than in other mega cities.
Way forward
- “simple-minded densification” was an inappropriate policy for reducing commuters’ GHG emissions.
- Focus on electric vehicles and efficient public transit system, this ought to be tailored to a region’s geographical context.
Source
The Hindu