Context

The Government of Greece recently passed the country’s first climate law to end the use of lignite/coal in the country’s electricity generation by 2028. 

Analysis

About the law: 

• The law contains the establishment of a process for developing sectoral carbon budgets for seven sectors of the economy, an element that exists only in the most progressive climate laws in Europe.
• It establishes measures and policies to optimise the country’s adaptation to climate change and ensure Greece’s carbonation path by 2050.

Targets: 

• The legislation sets interim targets for Greece to cut greenhouse emissions:
• by at least 55% by 2030 and
• by 80% by 2040
• zero-net emissions by 2050
• It also engages the country to cut dependence on fossil fuels, including indigenous lignite or brown coal from 2028 onwards.
• This target might be brought forward to 2025, depending on supplies.
• The deadline forNational Climate Law — Transition to climate neutrality and adaptation to climate change will be reviewed in 2023. 

Measures and Policies: 

The law established measures and policies for the following:  

• Strengthening adaptation to climate change at the lowest possible cost
• Intermediate targets for mitigating anthropogenic emissions for 2030 and 2040
• Carbon budgeting mechanism for key sectors of the economy
• Progress indicators for achieving relevant targets, progress assessment and target adjustment procedures

What is the rationale behind the law? 

• Dependency on fossil fuels
• Increased anthropogenic emissions
• Rising instances of forest fires
• Environmental impact on climate change
• Threat to public life and safe environment
• Achieving the climate mitigation targets

Lessons and key takeaways for India: 

New framework on climate action by Greece can benefit India in several ways: 

• To phase down the carbon usage and fossil fuel dependency
• To meet the targets committed under Paris climate deal
• Cost efficient pathways to shift fromnon-renewable energy resources towards renewable energy resources. 
• Paving the ways to reduce anthropogenic emissions.

Conclusion: 

First climate action law legislated by Athens in the backdrop of rising environmental issues and forest fires during summer, has the potential to drive the global climate action plan and assist the developing nations to pave a new way of energy security, including India. India will be benefitted from the plan of action by Greece, considering the measures through socio-economic and geographical lense.