IG3IS Webinar Series (Q1-Q2, 2025): Tracking carbon emissions and transport in India: Insights from multi-platform observations and model simulations

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(Europe/Zurich: 27 March 2025, 11:00 - 12:30)

Dr. Yogesh K. Tiwari is a scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India, since 2006. Currently he leads the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Observation Network in India, established with MoES IITM Pune funding. He also served as a Lead Author for IPCC report. 

India, one of South Asia's fastest-growing economies, faces immense energy demands driven by its expanding industries. According to India’s Biennial Update Reports (BUR) submitted to the UNFCCC, total annual GHG emissions increased from 2,136.8 Mt CO₂e (1,884.3 Mt with LULUCF) in 2010 to 2,607.5 Mt CO₂e (2,306.3 Mt with LULUCF) in 2014. By 2016, emissions reached 2,838.89 Mt CO₂e (2,531.07 Mt with LULUCF), comprising 78.59% CO₂ (2,231 Mt), 14.43% CH₄ (409 Mt CO₂e), and 5.12% N₂O (145 Mt CO₂e). Using an inversion system with high-resolution transport models and surface and satellite observations, India’s natural and anthropogenic methane emissions have been analyzed and compared with national reports. A top-down study estimated CH₄ emissions at 24.2 ± 5.3 Tg yr⁻¹, 19.2% higher than India’s BUR-3 estimate of 19.55 Tg yr⁻¹. In contrast, EDGAR (v4.3.2-2012) estimated CH₄ emissions at 32.6 Tg yr⁻¹, approximately 39% higher than BUR estimates. Another top-down study (2010-2015) reported average CH₄ emissions of 22.0 (19.6–24.3) Tg yr⁻¹, consistent with BUR-1 figures. This webinar will highlight the measurement of carbon emissions, understanding transport dynamics, and future initiatives in India. 

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For any queries, please contact: jtasneem@wmo.int
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