India: environment

How much greenhouse gas does India emit?

India's greenhouse gas emissions were 2,959 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2020, excluding land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF), according to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, reporting its Fourth Biennial Update Report submitted to the UNFCCC on 30 December 2024. Net emissions including forest and land sinks were 2,437 million tonnes. Emissions fell 7.93% in 2020 compared with 2019.

2020 was affected by the COVID-19 lockdown. The energy sector produced the largest share of emissions. India's national inventory is published with a lag of several years; more recent annual estimates of energy-related CO2 are available from international bodies such as the International Energy Agency.

Official sources: PIB: India submits its 4th Biennial Update Report

How much renewable energy capacity does India have?

India's installed renewable energy capacity was 299,246.53 MW (about 299 GW) on 30 September 2026, including large hydro, according to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Solar power was 171.05 GW and wind 59.20 GW. With 8,780 MW of nuclear, total non-fossil capacity was 308.03 GW. From April to September 2026, 24.56 GW of renewable capacity was added.

Capacity is the maximum a plant can produce, not what it actually generates; solar and wind run at lower average output than coal plants, so their share of electricity generated is smaller than their share of capacity. Solar includes 33.41 GW of grid-connected rooftop systems. MNRE updates the table each month.

Official sources: MNRE: Physical Achievements

How much rain did the 2026 monsoon bring?

Rainfall over India during the 2026 southwest monsoon season (June to September) was 87% of the long period average, according to the India Meteorological Department. All-India rainfall was 759.4 mm, the 4th lowest since 2001 and the 13th lowest since 1901. Northwest India received 94.1% of its average, Central India 97%, the South Peninsula 76% and Northeast India 74%.

The long period average is the mean rainfall over 1971 to 2020. IMD classes seasonal rainfall below 90% of it as deficient. The season's rainfall varies widely between regions, so district and subdivision figures matter for farming and water supply. IMD's statement of 30 September 2026 gives the monthly and subdivision detail.

Official sources: IMD: Salient features of the 2026 southwest monsoon (PDF)

Is air quality improving in Indian cities?

108 of the 130 cities under India's National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) recorded lower annual PM10 concentrations in 2025-26 than in 2017-18, according to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in a reply to Parliament published on 23 July 2026. 72 cities cut PM10 by more than 20% and 26 by more than 40%, and 14 cities met the national standard of 60 µg/m3.

PM10 is coarse particulate matter, from sources such as road dust, construction and burning. NCAP targets reductions of up to 40% or meeting the national standard by 2025-26. Daily air quality index readings for individual cities are published by the Central Pollution Control Board.

Official sources: PIB: Impact of National Clean Air Programme

How much of India is covered by forest?

Forest and tree cover was 8,27,357 sq km, or 25.17% of India's geographical area, according to the India State of Forest Report 2023, released by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on 21 December 2024. Forest cover was 7,15,343 sq km (21.76%) and tree cover outside forests 1,12,014 sq km (3.41%).

The Forest Survey of India produces the report every two years from satellite imagery and field checks. Forest cover counts all land of more than one hectare with tree canopy density above 10%, whatever its ownership or legal status, so it includes plantations and orchards. It is different from recorded forest area, which is land legally designated as forest.

Official sources: PIB: India State of Forest Report 2023

What is India's carbon footprint per person?

The European Commission's EDGAR database puts carbon dioxide emissions per person in India at 2.2 tonnes in 2024. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 2nd highest of 6 in South Asia, where the median is 1.5 tonnes. World rank, highest first: 99th of 186.

What are India's total greenhouse gas emissions?

The European Commission's EDGAR database puts total greenhouse gas emissions in India at 4,371 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2024. That is the highest since at least 2005. It is 1st highest of 6 in South Asia, where the median is 39.3 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Worldwide: 3rd of 186.

How much renewable energy does India use?

34.9%: that is the renewable share of final energy use in India for 2021, according to the IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO. Its high point since 2005 was 2005, at 44.2%; its low point was 2017, at 32.5%. South Asia median: 41.8%; India is 4th highest of 6. World rank, highest first: 69th of 191.

What is India's forest cover?

24.4%: that is forest area as a share of land in India for 2024, according to the FAO. That is the highest since at least 2005. Across South Asia the middle value was 29.4%, and India placed 4th highest of 6. Of 190 countries with 2024 data, 111th highest.

What is air pollution like in India?

According to the Global Burden of Disease study, average exposure to fine particle air pollution (PM2.5) in India was 54.1 micrograms per cubic metre in 2023. Its high point since 2005 was 2018, at 56.7 micrograms per cubic metre; its low point was 2006, at 49.3 micrograms per cubic metre. Across South Asia the middle value was 41.6 micrograms per cubic metre, and India placed 2nd highest of 6. Worldwide: 11th of 192.

How much of India's land is protected?

The UN Environment Programme puts the share of land in protected areas in India at 7.7% in 2025. That is the highest since at least 2013. It is 4th highest of 6 in South Asia, where the median is 15.7%. World rank, highest first: 156th of 192.

How much of India's fresh water is used?

The latest figure from the FAO, for 2022, is 66.5%. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across South Asia the middle value was 12.0%, and India placed 2nd highest of 6. World rank, highest first: 26th of 175.