The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 2nd November 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Zeroing in on Methane Diplomacy, at COP29 

Why in News?

From November 11 to 22, 2024, world leaders will gather in Baku, Azerbaijan, for the 29th Conference of Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Dubbed the “Finance COP”, representatives from every country will, for the first time in 15 years, set a new global climate finance goal, known as the “new collective quantified goal” or NCQG. The host country, Azerbaijan, has put forward an action agenda, which includes pledges to increase battery storage capacity six-fold, dramatically expand electricity networks, and cut methane emissions from organic waste.

What is Conference of the Parties (COP)?

COP: The Annual UN Climate Meeting

• In 1992, during the Rio Earth Summit, 154 countries came together and signed a treaty known as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
• The goal of this treaty was to stabilize greenhouse gas levels to prevent harmful human impact on the climate.
• After two years, the treaty was put into action, and since then, countries part of the UNFCCC have gathered annually at different locations.
• Today, there are 198 parties or signatories to the Convention.
• The idea of COP emerged from a strong belief in international agreements to address environmental issues.
• Policymakers at the time were inspired by the success of:
• The 1987 Montreal Protocol, which aimed to protect the ozone layer.
• A 1991 agreement between the US and Canada to reduce acid rain by limiting sulphur dioxide emissions.
• These successes contributed to the establishment of the UNFCCC.

The first COP happened in Berlin, Germany, in 1995.

• The first COP focused on how to carry out the UNFCCC.
• During this meeting, it was decided to meet every year to talk about actions related to climate change and reducing emissions.
• In the next two years, a new agreement was made that required rich and industrialized countries to lower their greenhouse gas emissions by specific amounts.
• This agreement later became known as the Kyoto Protocol, which was adopted in Kyoto, Japan, at COP-3.

Paris Agreement (COP 21)

• The Paris Agreement, also referred to as COP21, is a legally binding international treaty aimed at combating climate change.
• It was adopted by 196 parties during the UN Climate Change Conference held in Paris, France, in December 2015.
• The agreement officially came into force on November 4, 2016.

Main Objectives of the Paris Agreement:

• Limit Global Warming: Aim to keep global warming below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit it to 1.5°C.
• Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2100.
• Support Countries: Enhance countries' capacity to cope with the impacts of climate change.
• Provide Financing: Offer financial assistance to developing countries for climate change mitigation.

The Upcoming COP 29 and Truce Proposal

Azerbaijan to Host COP 29: Key Points and Objectives

• Leadership Role: Azerbaijan will lead the 29th edition of the Conference of the Parties (COP 29), building on the agenda set in COP 28 in Dubai.
• Transition from Fossil Fuels: A key focus will be the transition away from fossil fuels to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
• Global Temperature Goal: Azerbaijan aims to guide countries toward a consensus on keeping global temperature rise below 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
• 2009 Commitment Issue: A major agenda item will be the unfulfilled commitment by developed countries to provide $100 billion annually to developing countries for climate action, a promise made in 2009.
• New Financial Target: The conference is expected to set a new annual target above $100 billion and decide whether these funds will be provided as grants or loans.
• Truce Proposal: Azerbaijan is proposing a two-week truce during COP 29 to shield the talks from geopolitical tensions, inspired by the Olympic truce.
• Inclusive Approach: The host emphasizes that the climate crisis is a universal issue requiring an inclusive approach, despite current global political divides reminiscent of the Cold War era.

Challenges in Achieving Net Zero

• Many developing countries struggle with institutional capacity and financial awareness, making it difficult for them to prepare effective Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
• NDCs are essentially climate action plans that countries create to align with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
• These plans are self-defined and outline how countries intend to reduce emissions, adapt to climate change, and secure funding for these initiatives.
• NDCs are typically short- to medium-term plans that countries must update every five years with more ambitious targets based on their capabilities.
• Azerbaijan is striving for carbon neutrality by 2050, but it requires more support and awareness to reach this goal.
• NDCs play a crucial role in helping countries reduce greenhouse gas emissions and work towards the 1.5°C target.
• Many countries submitted their latest NDCs by 2023, with the next round of submissions expected by 2028.