Daily News Analysis » March 2024 » Black Carbon Emissions: 27 Mar 2024

Black Carbon Emissions: 27 Mar 2024

This article is based on a recent publication of The Hindu.

About black carbon:

    • It is the dark, sooty material emitted when biomass and fossil fuels are not fully combusted.
    • Most black carbon emissions in India arise from burning biomass, such as cow dung or straw, in traditional cookstoves.
  • Health risks associated: Higher risk of heart disease, birth complications, and premature death.

India’s commitment at COP26: 

  • By 2070: India pledged to achieve net-zero emissions, positioning itself as a leader in the race towards carbon neutrality.

Renewable energy progress: 

  • By 2023, India had installed over 180 GW of renewable energy capacity and is on track to achieve its target of 500 GW by 2030.

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY): This Yojana seeks to reduce black carbon emissions by replacing traditional cookstoves with LPG connections.

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY): 

  • 2016: The Scheme was introduced by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural  Gas.
  • Objective: to make clean cooking fuel available to rural and poor households.     
  • Infrastructure and distribution network: PMUY provides not only LPG connections but also essential infrastructure such as free gas stoves, deposits for LPG cylinders, and a distribution network.
  • Household connections: As of January 2024, PMUY has provided connections to over 10 crore households.