India: Second Biennial Update Report to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Since India has ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC; 1994), it is required to report to the UNFCCC progress on actions taken to address climate change. India presented its Initial National Communication (INC) to the UNFCCC on June 22, 2004, and its Second National Communication (SNC) on May 4, 2012. It is also required to submit Biennial Update Reports (BURs) – the First BUR was submitted on January 22, 2016, and the Second BUR) on December 31, 2018.Over 100 scientists, 16 institutions and 21 studies guided the preparation of the Second BUR, including experts from governmental and private institutions. Additionally, academic and research institutions, non-governmental and non-profit organisations, and representatives from the private sector reviewed the report. The Second BUR updates the information provided by the First BUR on India’s climate, forests, land use, economy, energy, demographics, greenhouse gases emissions and climate change mitigation. It discusses the domestic measurement, reporting and verification of mitigation efforts and the country’s financial and technological needs for this purpose.The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is responsible for India’s National Communications and BURs. The Second BUR was prepared by the National Steering Committee, chaired by C.K. Mishra, Secretary, MoEFCC. Its members were from various ministries and departments, and the Technical Advisory Committee, which consisted of government officials, academics and members of society, also provided technical guidance.