Odisha Ranks as India’s 2nd Highest Greenhouse Gas Emitter: Urgent Action Needed | Bhubaneswar News
Bhubaneswar: Odisha is the second highest emitter of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the country after Chhattisgarh, accounting for 9.7% of India’s GHG emissions, according to a report released on Tuesday by an environmental research and innovation organisation, which was commissioned by the state govt.
The report, ‘Just Transition in Odisha for Green Growth and Green Jobs’, released by International Forum for Environment, Sustainability and Technology (iFOREST), stated that Odisha’s per capita emission of 6.9 tonnes is more than double the country’s average of 2.8 tonnes.
It further said that coal-based power plants and steel industries contribute to 84% of Odisha’s total emissions. The report recommended the state govt to take a series of steps and policy initiatives to adopt green and renewable energy.
State’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions increased at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of slightly over 5.6% over the last decade.
As per 2022-2023 estimates, the state’s GHG emission is 305.2 million metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent (MMT CO2e), which is about 9.7% of India’s figure, the report said. “The report for the first time assesses the opportunities in Odisha to shift to a low-carbon economy while boosting economic growth and jobs. It also highlights key policies and targets the state govt can implement in the next 10 years,” said Chandra Bhushan, president and CEO of iFOREST. “The state needs to develop a comprehensive ‘just transition’ policy, which can guide green investments in fossil fuel-dependent districts, strengthen the ecosystem for skilling and jobs, and mobilise finances,” he added.
The report highlighted seven top mining and industrial districts that are the transition hotspots — Angul, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Sambalpur and Keonjhar. These districts together account for 100% of coal production and a majority of coal-based power capacity and steel production.
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