The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 4th December 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Rethinking ‘Representation’ for a Meaningful COP30 

Why in News?

Recently, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties 29 (COP29) concluded in Baku, Azerbaijan. This conference saw around 200 countries negotiate agreements aimed at addressing global climate challenges. 

What are the Key Highlights of the COP29? 

• New Climate Finance Goal: A significant achievement at COP29 was the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance (NCQG). This goal aims to increase climate finance for developing nations to USD 300 billion per year by 2035, up from the earlier target of USD 100 billion. Developed countries are expected to take the lead in this effort. 
• The goal also calls for all players to boost climate financing to USD 1.3 trillion annually by 2035 from various public and private sources, helping developing countries to adapt to and mitigate climate impacts. 
• Carbon Markets Agreement: COP29 achieved a crucial agreement to finalize the rules for carbon markets. This includes trading between countries (as stated in Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement) and a centralized carbon market managed by the United Nations (Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement). 
• Article 6.2 allows countries to make bilateral deals to trade carbon credits based on terms they mutually agree upon. 
• The Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (Article 6.4) aims to create a centralized system for offsetting and trading carbon emissions, managed by the UN. 
• Declaration on Reducing Methane: More than 30 countries, including the US, Germany, UK, and UAE, supported the COP29 Declaration on reducing methane emissions from organic waste (notably, India is not a signatory). 
• The declaration focuses on methane emissions from the waste sector, which account for 20%of global methane emissions. It highlights five key areas: 
  • Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
  • Regulation
  • Data
  • Finance
  • Partnerships
• Countries are encouraged to set specific targets for reducing methane emissions from organic waste in their NDCs. This builds on the Global Methane Pledge (with India not being a signatory) to cut global methane emissions by 30% by 2030, focusing on methane from agriculture, waste, and fossil fuels. 
• Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities: COP29 emphasized the essential role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in tackling climate change. 
• The conference adopted the Baku Workplan and renewed the mandate of the Facilitative Working Group (FWG) under the Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform (LCIPP). 
• The Baku Workplan aims to connect indigenous knowledge with modern science, encourage indigenous participation in climate discussions, and integrate indigenous values into climate policies. 
• The FWG will implement the Baku Workplan in a way that is responsive to gender issues and will review its progress in 2027. 
• The FWG of the LCIPP is a body created at COP24 to support the LCIPP's goals, focusing on knowledge sharing, engagement, and climate policy, collaborating with various organizations. 
• Gender and Climate Change: A decision was made to extend the Lima Work Programme on Gender (LWPG) for another 10 years, reaffirming the importance of gender equality in climate action and planning for a new gender action plan to be adopted at COP30 in Belém, Brazil. 
• Established in 2014, the LWPG aims to promote gender balance and ensure that gender considerations are integrated into climate policy and action under the Convention and the Paris Agreement. 
• Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative for Farmers: The COP29 Presidency, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), launched the Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative for Farmers. 
• This initiative serves as a platform to connect various existing climate initiatives in agriculture, making it easier for farmers to find support and access finance. 

What is India’s Stance at COP 29? 

• Opposition to the Deal: India rejected the NCQG, saying it was not enough. The promise of USD 300 billion was considered too small to tackle the climate issues that developing countries face.
• India, along with other countries in the Global South, has been calling for at least USD 1.3 trillion each year to handle the increasing needs for climate change actions and adjustments in developing nations. Out of this, USD 600 billion should be in the form of grants or similar resources.
• Article 9 of the Paris Agreement: India pointed out that developed countries should take the lead in raising climate finance, as stated in Article 9 of the Paris Agreement. This article puts the responsibility on developed nations.
• The final agreement, however, changed this responsibility. It now includes all parties, even developing countries, rather than holding developed nations accountable for their past emissions and financial promises.
• Solidarity with Vulnerable Nations: India supported the worries of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), who left the negotiations. They felt their requests for fair and sufficient financial targets were not being addressed.

Why is COP Important for India? 

• India's Climate Commitments and Achievements: India submitted its first NDCin 2015 and updated its climate goals in 2022. Key achievements include:
  • Reducing emissions intensity by 33-35%.
  • Meeting 40% of energy capacity from non-fossil fuels.
• Securing Climate Finance: India has benefited significantly from funds through mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund and carbon credit markets.
• COP Discussions on Loss and Damage Fund: These discussions are vital for India to receive financial assistance to manage climate impacts like floods and cyclones.
• Global Climate Leadership: The COP meetings allow India to showcase its leadership in global climate efforts. Initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA) help promote sustainable solutions for climate challenges worldwide.
• Leveraging International Influence: India plays a leading role in groups like the Like-minded Developing Countries (LMDC) and BASIC at COP, representing the voices of the Global South and pushing for fair climate action and funding.
• Promoting Initiatives:Platforms like COP give India the chance to promote initiatives such as:
  • Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE)
  • Mangrove Alliance for Climate

How has India’s Role in Global Climate Governance Evolved? 

• From the 1970s to 2000s, India was careful about responding to Western environmental demands, worrying that they might slow down its economic growth.
• At the 1972 Stockholm Conference, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi highlighted the importance of balancing environmental protection with efforts to reduce poverty.
• India officially accepted sustainable development by signing the UNFCCC in 1992 during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. This included support for Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR), acknowledging that developed and developing countries have different roles and capabilities.
• In 2002, India hosted COP8, showcasing its transformation from a passive participant to an active player in climate negotiations.
• In 2008, India introduced the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), which showed its commitment to lowering emissions and encouraging renewable energy.
• After 2015, the Paris Agreement changed global climate governance, allowing developing countries like India to be part of climate action without facing unfair burdens.
• The shift from strict emission reduction targets to voluntary Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) enabled India to connect its climate goals with its development priorities.
• India submitted its NDCs and made updates in 2022.
• In 2022, India contributed USD 1.28 billion to help other developing countries with climate finance, highlighting its role as a climate leader.
• India advocates for climate equity and justice, urging developed nations to provide financial and technical support to developing countries. It actively supports initiatives like the Green Climate Fund and the Loss and Damage Fund.
• Leading Global Initiatives:
  • International Solar Alliance (ISA): This initiative was launched in 2015 by India and France at the COP21 summit in Paris, aiming to promote the use of solar energy worldwide.
  • Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE): This promotes sustainable consumption habits to help reduce carbon footprints.
  • Mangrove Alliance for Climate: This initiative focuses on protecting mangrove ecosystems to lessen the effects of climate change.