India Reiterates Commitment to Climate Change Mitigation and Global Cooperation
The government affirms its ongoing efforts to mitigate climate change, emphasizing international agreements and technology transfer.
Photo by shivaprakash yaragal
Quick Revision
India is committed to mitigating climate change
UNFCCC and Paris Agreement are key international frameworks
Bilateral agreements and technology transfer are important for climate action
Climate finance is crucial for developing countries to achieve climate goals
Visual Insights
India's Climate Action Journey: Commitments & Global Cooperation
This timeline illustrates India's significant milestones and active participation in international climate change efforts, reflecting its continuous commitment to mitigation and global cooperation, leading up to the current reiteration of its stance.
India has been an active participant in global climate negotiations since the Earth Summit in 1992. Its journey reflects a balance between development needs and environmental responsibilities, evolving from initial non-binding commitments to ambitious national targets and a strong advocacy for climate justice and finance.
- 1987Brundtland Report 'Our Common Future' published, defining Sustainable Development.
- 1992Earth Summit (Rio) adopts UNFCCC. India signs the convention.
- 1993India ratifies the UNFCCC.
- 1997Kyoto Protocol adopted under UNFCCC (legally binding targets for developed nations).
- 2008India launches its National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
- 2009Copenhagen Accord: Developed nations pledge to mobilize $100 billion annually for developing countries by 2020.
- 2015Paris Agreement adopted at COP21, establishing NDCs and a 1.5/2°C temperature goal.
- 2016India ratifies the Paris Agreement on October 2nd.
- 2021COP26 (Glasgow): India announces 'Panchamrit' goals, including Net Zero emissions by 2070.
- 2022India updates its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
- 2023COP28 (Dubai): First Global Stocktake concludes, Loss & Damage Fund operationalized. India actively participates.
- 2024India reiterates commitment to climate change mitigation and global cooperation (Current News).
Exam Angles
International environmental agreements and protocols (UNFCCC, Paris Agreement, Kyoto Protocol)
India's climate policy and initiatives (NDCs, NAPCC, specific missions)
Climate finance mechanisms and challenges (GCF, GEF, Adaptation Fund)
Technology transfer in the context of climate change
Sustainable development goals and their intersection with climate action
Geopolitics of climate change and India's role in global climate governance
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Summary
The government has reiterated its continuous commitment to mitigating climate change, highlighting India's active participation in global efforts. This involves adhering to international frameworks like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement. The government emphasized the importance of bilateral agreements and technology transfer as crucial tools for achieving climate goals.
Climate finance, which involves developed nations providing financial assistance to developing countries for climate action, was also underscored as a key component. This stance reflects India's dual challenge of pursuing economic development while simultaneously addressing environmental sustainability and fulfilling its international climate responsibilities.
Background
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. With reference to India's commitments under the Paris Agreement, consider the following statements: 1. India pledged to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33 to 35 percent from 2005 levels by 2030. 2. India committed to achieving about 40 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030. 3. India aims to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 2030. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
All three statements are part of India's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, submitted in 2015 and updated in 2022. India has further enhanced its NDCs in 2022, committing to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45 percent by 2030 from 2005 level, and achieve about 50 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030. However, the question refers to the original commitments which are still fundamentally correct as part of the overall NDC framework. The carbon sink target remains the same.
2. In the context of international climate finance, which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the Green Climate Fund (GCF)?
- A.It was established under the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
- B.Its primary objective is to support developing countries in their climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.
- C.It is the operating entity of the financial mechanism of the UNFCCC, along with the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
- D.It primarily funds projects related to biodiversity conservation and combating land degradation, rather than climate change specific actions.
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement D is incorrect. The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is specifically dedicated to supporting developing countries in their climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. Its mandate is to help developing countries limit or reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change. Biodiversity conservation and combating land degradation are primarily mandates of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), although GEF also has a climate change focus. GCF is one of the key financial mechanisms of the UNFCCC.
3. Consider the following statements regarding the principle of 'Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities' (CBDR-RC): 1. It acknowledges that all countries have a shared responsibility to address climate change but recognizes their differing capabilities and historical contributions to the problem. 2. It was first formally enshrined in the Kyoto Protocol, specifically addressing the emission reduction targets for developed countries. 3. The Paris Agreement explicitly rejects the CBDR-RC principle, opting for a universal approach where all countries have identical obligations. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 2 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is correct. CBDR-RC is a foundational principle of international environmental law, particularly in climate change. Statement 2 is incorrect. While the Kyoto Protocol operationalized the differentiation by setting binding targets for Annex I countries, the principle of CBDR-RC was first formally enshrined in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1992. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Paris Agreement, while adopting a more universal approach with Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) from all parties, reaffirms the CBDR-RC principle in its preamble and operational paragraphs, recognizing the different national circumstances. It evolves the application of CBDR-RC rather than rejecting it.