Did you know that India is the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gasses around the globe? If we talk about figures, India emits about three gigatonnes (Gt) CO2eq of greenhouse gasses each year; about two tons per person, which is half the world average. The country emits 7% of global emissions.
At the 26th Conference of Parties (COP26), the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi, pledged India to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. Moreover, this commitment brings India in line with other big emitters, including the United States, China, Saudi Arabia, and the European Union, which have made similar promises. Intrinsically, net-zero denotes the employment of mechanisms that would compensate for the amount of carbon emitted by a country into the atmosphere by absorbing an equivalent amount of greenhouse gasses from the atmosphere.
What is India Doing to Reduce Carbon Emissions?
Furthermore, the net-zero commitment is part of a strategy of Panchamrit or five elixirs. Moreover, four out of five of these so-called elixirs are short-term goals that would pave the way to achieving a net-zero emissions target by 2070. However, the immediate pursuits are:
- Getting a non-fossil fuel energy capacity of 500 GW by 2030
- Fulfilling 50% of energy requirements via renewable energy by 2030
- Reducing CO2 emissions by 1 million tons by 2030
- Reducing carbon intensity below 45% by 2030.
In contrast to this net-zero commitment, in the climax of COP26, India opposed the provision guiding to a phasing out of fossil fuel subsidies and coal in the final waft of what is now the Glasgow Climate Pact. Now, what do you think might be the core reason behind this? Well, coal is the most essential and abundant fossil fuel in India. Moreover, it accounts for 55% of the country's energy needs. Therefore, India is not in the state to say no to coal, especially at this point.
Supported by China, Iran, Cuba, and a few other developing countries, India floated an amendment to use the phrase 'Phase Down' instead of 'Phase Out' coal power.
What are the Main Sources of Carbon Emissions in India?
India’s total GHG emissions in 2014 were 3,202 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e), totaling 6.55% of global GHG emissions. In India, 68.7% of GHG emissions come from the energy sector, followed by agriculture (19.6%), industrial processes (6.0%), land-use change and forestry (3.8%), and waste (1.9%).
How Environmental Engineers Can India Get Rid of Carbon Emission?
The next question that may strike your mind will be: How can India achieve Zero Carbon emissions? To get the answer to this query, firstly, we need to understand the term 'Zero Emission'. So achieving net-zero emissions means our economy either emits no greenhouse gas emissions or offsets its emissions.
Next, we need more and more environmental engineers as they can help India achieve zero carbon emission by using the principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems. Additionally, environmental engineers work to improve recycling, waste disposal, public health, and water and air pollution control.
Role & Responsibilities of Environmental Engineers
Environmental engineers are concerned with evaluating and addressing the influences of humans and other activities on the natural and built environment. With so much concentration on being green and preserving the environment for our futures, environmental engineers are becoming increasingly important; there is no doubt about it.
On the other hand, if we talk about the responsibilities of environmental engineers, they use principles of biology and chemistry to invent solutions to numerous problems that affect the environment. In addition, they also take care of various matters, such as recycling, waste disposal, water and air pollution control, and public health issues. Moreover, they also do research work to neutralize the effects of acid rain, global warming, automobile emissions, and ozone depletion issues. Most importantly, an environmental engineer must be creative, detail-oriented, and analytically strong.
What Are the Skills & Qualifications Required to Become an Environmental Engineer?
First of all, if we talk about the qualification to become an environmental engineer, a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering is a must. Moreover, if you have already completed your bachelor’s degree, then you can pursue a Master of Environment Engineering degree.
However, the college you choose to complete your environmental engineering degree is directly proportional to your growth in this domain as college reputation plays a vital role. Therefore, if you want to unlock immense job opportunities in environmental engineering, it would be great to choose the best college for M.E in Environment Engineering.
On the flip side, if we talk about the skills to become an environmental engineer, then you should be creative, inquisitive, analytical, and detail-oriented. Along with this, you need to be fluent in all aspects of environmental engineering.
Final Words
Therefore, if you are interested and looking for the best college for M.E in Environment Engineering, your search is over. Chandigarh University is one of the best colleges in India to pursue a Master of Engineering degree in environmental engineering.
To help you provide a captivating career as an environmental engineer, Chandigarh University is equipped with high-quality infrastructure, first-grade teaching faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, an advanced curriculum, and much more. Moreover, Chandigarh University provides its students with an incredible ocean of placement opportunities and scholarships worth Rs. 45 Crore.
Therefore, if you are interested and want to begin your academic career as an environmental engineer, the doors of Chandigarh University, NAAC A+, QS Ranked, and NBA accredited, are open for you. Apply Now!