Identifying textiles as a high emission intensity sector, the government has directed the textile industry to prepare a roadmap for reducing emission intensity and carbon dioxide by 2030 along with the expected financial implications.

The roadmap would include ways to adapt to protect communities and natural habitats, especially the ones threatened by climate change.

India relies heavily on coal and natural gas for electricity and heat production and that increases the carbon footprint of each apparel product.

Globally, the textile and garment sector accounts for 6-8 per cent of total carbon emissions, or some 1.7 billion tons in carbon emissions per year.

The decision was taken after an inter-ministerial committee met last month to discuss the implementation of the roadmap on energy efficiency with a focus on sectors with high emission intensity such as transport.