The eCarbon Card™ Blueprint

Digital Solutions for Carbon Accountability - India as a Model

Sanjay Wahal

• Publisher: Armin Lear Press
• Year: 2025
• eBook ISBN: 9781968919030
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Technology & Engineering
• Subtopic: Engineering General
• Index: Technology & Engineering

A Vision for Accountability in the Decarbonization Journey

As the world confronts the escalating consequences of climate change, the urgency for collective and innovative action has never been more apparent. Nations, organizations, and individuals are being called upon to redefine their relationship with the environment, rethink their consumption patterns, and contribute to a global effort to mitigate carbon emissions. Among these nations, India stands at a critical crossroads. As the world's third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases (GHGs), India faces the dual challenge of sustaining its rapid economic growth while addressing its environmental responsibilities. This task is monumental but not insurmountable-and it is precisely within this space of challenge and opportunity that the concept of the eCarbon Card was born.

India's journey toward decarbonization is one of both necessity and possibility. India ranks 138th (among the top 10 countries) globally on Climate Vulnerability Index while its share of the global GHG emissions being only ~ 7%. With its ambitious commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and intermediate targets outlined under the Paris Agreement, India has positioned itself as a key player in the global fight against climate change. However, achieving these goals will require not just technological innovation and policy reforms, but also a fundamental shift in the way carbon accountability is embedded into the fabric of society. This transformation demands a mechanism that is not only equitable and scalable but also capable of empowering individuals and organizations to actively participate in the decarbonization journey.

The eCarbon Card concept was envisioned as a response to this need-a bold, actionable, and inclusive framework that democratizes carbon responsibility. This system moves beyond top-down policy mandates and engages citizens, businesses, and organizations in a participatory effort to manage and reduce carbon emissions. The eCarbon Card is designed to integrate seamlessly into daily life, making carbon accountability an inherent part of financial transactions, lifestyle choices, and business operations. It bridges the gap between high-level climate commitments and grassroots actions, enabling every individual and entity to become an agent of change.

At its core, the eCarbon Card is guided by a simple yet transformative idea: accountability.

Table of contents

• Praise foreCarbon Card
• Preface A Vision for Accountability in the Decarbonization Journey
• Foreword Ajay Mathur, Ph.D., 2nd Director General, International Solar Alliance
• Introduction Path to Carbon Accountability for a Sustainable Future
• Chapter 1 The eCarbon Card System Concept: Its Uniqueness, Impact, Benefits, and Vision
• Chapter 2 Mechanics and Structure of the eCarbon Card System
• Chapter 3 Required Technologies, Infrastructure, and Roadmap for their Establishment
• Chapter 4 Mechanism for Determination of Carbon Credit Pricing
• Chapter 5 Roadmap for Implementing the eCarbon Card System
• Chapter 6 Real-World Applications, Global Precedents and Case Studies
• Chapter 7 Economic and Environmental Impact and Calculations
• Chapter 8 Incentives and Rewards for Sustainable Choices, and Benefits to the Government
• Chapter 9 Viability, Challenges, Limitations, Potential Pitfalls, and Alternatives
• Chapter 10 Next Steps and the Future of Decarbonization with the eCarbon Card System
• Final Pitch
• Epilogue
• Critical Questions, Candid Answers
• Glossary of Key Terms
• Appendix I Overview of Academic Proposals: Theoretical Foundations of Personal Carbon Trading (PCT)
• Appendix II What Is Blockchain and Why Does It Matter for the eCarbon Card?
• Appendix III Digital Infrastructure and Technological Framework for eCarbon Card System
• Appendix IV Methodology for Allocating Individual Carbon Allowances
• Appendix V Business Carbon Allowances and Sectoral Benchmarks
• Appendix VI Tracking Carbon Emissions
• Appendix VII Integration with UPI and Digital Payments
• Appendix VIII Integration Across the Value Chain
• Appendix IX Alternatives to Blockchain for Carbon Emission Tracking
• Appendix X Step-by-Step Roadmap for Implementing a Carbon Card System Across the Value Chain
• Appendix XI Job Creation Estimate
• Appendix XII Calculations
• Additional Resources
• Acknowledgments
• References
• Bibliography and Further Reading
• Author Bio