India and China's Climate Action: A Fair Share Analysis
Summary
The article discusses the climate actions of India and China, arguing that they are doing their fair share in addressing climate change, contrary to some Western narratives. It highlights that both countries have over-achieved their commitments and are investing heavily in renewable energy. The author points out that while developed nations often criticize India and China, their own historical emissions and current per capita emissions are significantly higher. The piece emphasizes the need for a balanced perspective, acknowledging the progress made by India and China while also recognizing the scale of the challenge ahead. The article suggests that focusing on collaborative solutions and technology transfer, rather than criticism, would be more effective in tackling global climate change.
Full Analysis
The article discusses the climate actions of India and China, arguing that they are doing their fair share in addressing climate change, contrary to some Western narratives. It highlights that both countries have over-achieved their commitments and are investing heavily in renewable energy. The author points out that while developed nations often criticize India and China, their own historical emissions and current per capita emissions are significantly higher. The piece emphasizes the need for a balanced perspective, acknowledging the progress made by India and China while also recognizing the scale of the challenge ahead. The article suggests that focusing on collaborative solutions and technology transfer, rather than criticism, would be more effective in tackling global climate change.
Background Context
The historical context of climate action is rooted in the late 20th century, with growing scientific consensus on anthropogenic climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), established in 1988, played a crucial role in consolidating this knowledge. The 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) formalized international cooperation, establishing the principle of 'common but differentiated responsibilities,' acknowledging varying capabilities and historical contributions to climate change among nations. The Kyoto Protocol in 1997 further operationalized this principle by setting binding emission reduction targets for developed countries, recognizing their historical responsibility. This framework shaped the initial landscape of climate negotiations, influencing the subsequent actions and commitments of nations like India and China.
Current Developments
Recent developments in climate action involve a shift towards more ambitious nationally determined contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. India, for example, has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and has significantly increased its renewable energy targets. China has also pledged to peak emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. A key trend is the increasing investment in renewable energy infrastructure, particularly solar and wind power, in both countries. Furthermore, there's a growing focus on green hydrogen and carbon capture technologies. Future outlook involves enhanced international cooperation on technology transfer and climate finance, as well as the development of more stringent climate policies at the national level to meet the ambitious goals set forth in the Paris Agreement.
Key Facts
- India and China are investing heavily in renewable energy
- Developed nations have higher historical and per capita emissions
Practice MCQs
Question 1
Consider the following statements regarding the principle of 'Common But Differentiated Responsibilities' (CBDR) in the context of climate change:
1. CBDR acknowledges that all countries have a common responsibility to address climate change.
2. CBDR recognizes that developed countries have contributed more to historical emissions and therefore have a greater responsibility.
3. The Paris Agreement completely disregards the CBDR principle, focusing solely on uniform commitments from all nations.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 accurately reflect the CBDR principle. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Paris Agreement, while emphasizing nationally determined contributions, still acknowledges the CBDR principle in its preamble and provisions related to finance and technology transfer.
Mains Practice Questions
Question 1
Critically analyze the narrative that developing countries like India and China are not doing their fair share in addressing climate change. What are the key arguments against this narrative, and what role can developed countries play in fostering more equitable climate action?
Previous Year Questions
PYQ 1 - UPSC Prelims 2023 2023
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding India's climate action?
1. India has pledged to achieve Net-Zero emissions by 2070.
2. India has significantly increased its renewable energy capacity in the last decade.
3. India's per capita emissions are higher than the global average.
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: India has pledged to achieve Net-Zero emissions by 2070 and has significantly increased its renewable energy capacity. However, India's per capita emissions are still lower than the global average.
PYQ 2 - UPSC Mains 2022 2022
Critically analyze the narrative that India and China are not doing their fair share in addressing climate change. Discuss the historical context and current efforts of both nations in mitigating climate change.
PYQ 3 - SSC CGL 2023 2023
Which of the following countries is the largest investor in renewable energy?
- (a) United States
- (b) Germany
- (c) China
- (d) India
Explanation: China is currently the largest investor in renewable energy globally.
PYQ 4 - SSC CHSL 2023 2023
What is India's target year to achieve Net-Zero emissions?
- (a) 2050
- (b) 2060
- (c) 2070
- (d) 2080
Explanation: India has pledged to achieve Net-Zero emissions by 2070.
PYQ 5 - IBPS PO 2023 2023
Which of the following initiatives focuses on promoting sustainable finance for climate action in India?
- (a) Priority Sector Lending
- (b) National Clean Energy Fund
- (c) Kisan Credit Card Scheme
- (d) Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana
Explanation: The National Clean Energy Fund (NCEF) was established to promote clean energy and sustainable finance in India.
PYQ 6 - SBI PO 2023 2023
Which of the following is NOT a direct financial risk associated with climate change for banks?
- (a) Increased loan defaults due to extreme weather events
- (b) Stranded assets in fossil fuel industries
- (c) Reputational damage from financing polluting industries
- (d) Fluctuations in global currency exchange rates
Explanation: Fluctuations in global currency exchange rates are not a direct financial risk associated with climate change, although climate change can indirectly influence economic stability.
PYQ 7 - CDS 2023 2023
Which of the following is a major component of China's climate action plan?
- (a) Phasing out all coal-fired power plants by 2030
- (b) Becoming carbon neutral by 2040
- (c) Investing heavily in renewable energy sources
- (d) Reducing military spending to fund climate initiatives
Explanation: China is investing heavily in renewable energy sources as a key component of its climate action plan.
PYQ 8 - CDS 2023 2023
Which international agreement emphasizes the principle of 'common but differentiated responsibilities' in addressing climate change?
- (a) Montreal Protocol
- (b) Kyoto Protocol
- (c) Ramsar Convention
- (d) Basel Convention
Explanation: The Kyoto Protocol emphasizes the principle of 'common but differentiated responsibilities', acknowledging that developed countries have a greater historical responsibility for climate change.