India Tops Global Rise in Greenhouse Gas Emissions

India has recorded the world’s sharpest rise in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during 2023–24, adding 165 million tonnes, according to the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Emissions Gap Report 2025. While China and the United States remain the top emitters, India registered the highest absolute increase. The report warns that global temperatures could rise by 2.8°C by the end of the century, far exceeding the 1.5°C Paris Agreement target. Despite the surge, India’s per capita emissions remain among the lowest globally. However, the nation’s failure to update its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) before the COP30 summit has drawn global attention. Experts have urged India to accelerate its renewable energy expansion, phase down coal, and adopt stronger carbon management measures to meet climate goals and ensure sustainable development.