Background
One important international gathering to address climate change is the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The conference, which is being hosted by Azerbaijan in Baku from November 22 to December 3, 2024, carries on the yearly custom of uniting nations to evaluate the state of the fight against climate change and to talk about future objectives.
INDIA’S STANCE FROM THE PAST
- COP21 To the UNFCCC held in 2015 in Paris, France: India firmly supported the idea of shared but distinct responsibilities and signed the Paris Agreement. India emphasized that rich countries should lead the charge in lowering carbon footprints while giving developing countries financial and technological support, given their historical accountability for emissions. India aimed to reduce its emissions intensity, or carbon emissions per unit of GDP, by 33–35% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels as part of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
- COP24 ( Poland, 2018): India was instrumental in making sure that clauses supporting poor countries were included in the Paris Rulebook. It promoted climate finance and a fair switch to renewable energy, highlighting the need for wealthy countries to keep their financial pledges and assist poorer nations in preparing for the effects of climate change. Additionally, India promoted carbon markets and procedures that guaranteed openness without unreasonably impeding the expansion of emerging economies.
- COP26 ( Glasgow, 2021): Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of the Panchamrit framework, which detailed India’s climate ambitions, demonstrated the country’s leadership at COP26: These include:-
- Net-Zero emission by 2070.
- By 2030, 50% of India’s energy must be from renewable sources.
- Lowering carbon intensity by 45% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.
- India will reduce its total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes by 2030.
- India will increase its non-fossil energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030.
- COP27 ( Sharm El-Sheikh, 2022):India demanded fair burden-sharing and climate justice. The disproportionate effects of climate change on developing countries were highlighted in India’s COP27 speech, along with the necessity of further financial pledges to support the Global South. India called on rich nations to fulfil their previous financial commitments and increase developing nations’ access to green technologies.
INDIA’S STANCE AND INITIATIVES IN COP29 ( Baku,2024)
India’s recent priority regarding the climate related issues reflect the evolution of policies in regard.
- Climate Justice: India reaffirmed the need for affluent nations to provide poor nations, which are still struggling to eradicate poverty, some carbon space. India underlined that pursuing climate targets shouldn’t come at the expense of growth trajectories.
- Renewable Energy Leadership: Having nearly tripled its renewable capacity since 2014, India demonstrated its accomplishments in this area. It reiterated that by 2030, it wants to have 500 GW of renewable energy.
- Financial and Technological Support: In order to address the demands of poor nations, India emphasized the necessity of setting high goals for climate funding. India keeps emphasizing the value of capacity building and technology transfer.
INITIATIVES
- Through knowledge exchange and funding arrangements, the International Solar Alliance (ISA), a project sponsored by India, aims to lower solar costs, enhance capacity, and assist sustainable development in the Global South.
- In order to improve disaster planning and response in nations that are at risk, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) works to create climate-resilient infrastructure, make sure vital systems can survive extreme weather events, and promote knowledge sharing.
- The Global Biofuel Alliance supports energy diversification and emission reductions worldwide, especially in transportation, by promoting the use of biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel as a cleaner substitute for fossil fuels.
- India’s framework for tackling climate change through eight main missions—renewable energy, energy efficiency, agriculture, water conservation, and sustainable urban development—is known as the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
GLOBAL IMPACT: SHAPING NEGOTIATIONS AND PROMOTING ACTION
India’s climate policy places a strong emphasis on climate justice, arguing that wealthy nations should take the lead in cutting carbon emissions given their historical emissions while simultaneously giving developing countries financial and technological assistance. With programs like the International Solar Alliance and a goal of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy by 2030, India is a leader in the promotion of renewable energy. India’s influence in climate discussions, its advocacy for equitable climate financing pledges, and its leadership in programs like the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure demonstrate its worldwide influence. These initiatives promote sustainable growth, particularly in the Global South.
Author: Navneet Ranjan, a student of 3rd year pursuing Anthropology Hons at Hans Raj College, University of Delhi,
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