COP29 Divisive Climate Conference India at COP29

Five Key Takeaways from a Divisive Climate Conference.

1. Introduction: India’s Call for Fair Climate Finance

India’s role in climate finance and global climate action is pivotal, balancing rapid economic growth with sustainability. Despite contributing only 6% of global emissions in 2021 and accounting for just 3% of cumulative historical emissions, India faces significant climate vulnerability due to extreme heat, monsoon variability, and rising sea levels.

Over 70% of its rural households depend on agriculture, making them highly susceptible to climate impacts. India has made ambitious renewable energy commitments, including achieving 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity and reducing carbon intensity by 45% by 2030. Its National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) spearheads these efforts, focusing on solar energy, sustainable agriculture, and energy efficiency. However, challenges persist, including coal dependence and high fossil fuel subsidies, which outstrip those for renewables.

India’s advocacy for climate justice highlights the urgent need for developed nations to fulfil their climate finance promises, ensuring equitable support for developing economies. While India leads in renewable energy advancements, including green hydrogen and battery storage, it continues to emphasise the necessity of meaningful international collaboration. This dual focus on innovation and equity underscores its commitment to sustainable growth, despite criticism of its 2070 net-zero target as insufficiently ambitious.

At COP29 in Baku, these priorities came to the fore during debates over increasing the climate finance target to $300 billion annually by 2035. While this tripling of the previous $100 billion pledge appeared substantial, India criticised the deal as an “optical illusion,” reflecting the broader frustrations of developing nations. The agreement, India argued, falls short of addressing the real financial needs for combating climate change and supporting green transitions, underscoring the continued gap between commitments and effective action.

India’s critique underscores a broader issue: the disproportionate impact of climate change on poorer nations. Developing countries like India are often the hardest hit by rising temperatures, severe weather events, and sea-level rise, yet they have historically contributed far less to global greenhouse gas emissions. India argued that the proposed financial support does not match the scale of the challenge and fails to take into account the unique vulnerabilities of nations still grappling with poverty, industrialisation, and population growth.

Moreover, the agreement’s reliance on a mix of grants and loans drew sharp criticism. Loans, India argued, place an undue burden on already financially strained nations, forcing them to take on debt to address a crisis they did not primarily cause. India’s demands for more direct, unconditional grants reflect a growing call for fairness in climate finance.

2. Highlighting Shared but Unequal Responsibilities

India strongly reaffirmed the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” (CBDR), a cornerstone of international climate negotiations. This principle recognises that while all nations share a common goal of combating climate change, wealthier nations, which have historically contributed the most to global warming, must shoulder a greater share of the responsibility.

India pointed out that developed nations have enjoyed decades of economic growth powered by fossil fuels, which have significantly contributed to the current climate crisis. In contrast, developing countries are still in the process of industrialisation and require time, support, and resources to transition to cleaner energy sources without jeopardising their development goals.

By emphasising CBDR, India argued that richer countries must lead the way in reducing emissions and providing financial and technological support to poorer nations. India’s stance reflects the frustration of many developing nations, which feel that wealthy countries often fall short of their promises and shift the burden of climate action onto those least equipped to handle it.

3. India’s Ambitious Climate Goals

Despite its disappointment with the climate finance agreement, India showcased its commitment to addressing climate change through domestic action. As one of the world’s largest emitters, India has set ambitious targets to transition to a greener economy. These include significantly increasing renewable energy capacity, reducing carbon emissions intensity by 33-35% from 2005 levels by 2030, and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

However, India made it clear that achieving these goals requires substantial financial and technological support from developed countries. Transitioning to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, involves significant upfront costs, which many developing nations cannot bear alone. India’s participation at COP29 highlighted the gap between its aspirations and the resources currently available, reinforcing the need for fair and adequate climate finance.

4. A Voice for Developing Nations

At COP29, India became a powerful voice for the developing world, drawing attention to the challenges faced by poorer nations in the global climate fight. India’s vocal criticism of the finance deal reflected the broader concerns of many countries in the Global South, which feel sidelined in international climate discussions dominated by wealthier nations.

India argued that the proposed financial support fails to account for the disproportionate vulnerabilities of developing nations. For example, countries like India are already experiencing the devastating effects of climate change, including severe droughts, floods, and cyclones, which displace millions and disrupt livelihoods. Without adequate financial support, these nations struggle to build the infrastructure and resilience needed to withstand such impacts.

By standing firm in its demands, India reminded the global community that addressing climate change requires not only ambitious targets but also a commitment to fairness and equity. India’s stance at COP29 highlighted the need for a more inclusive approach to climate negotiations, one that prioritises the needs of the most vulnerable.

5. Preparing for Future Challenges

India’s role at COP29 also emphasised the importance of preparing for future challenges, particularly in the face of political uncertainties. With the potential return of climate-sceptical leaders in major countries, India called for stronger and more durable agreements that can withstand political shifts. The concept of “Trump-proofing” agreements—designing them to remain effective even if certain countries withdraw or reduce their participation—was a key focus at the conference.

India also highlighted the need for stronger international cooperation to address the growing complexities of climate change. This includes not only increasing financial support but also fostering technological collaboration to help developing nations transition to cleaner energy sources. India’s focus on long-term solutions reflects its understanding that the fight against climate change requires sustained effort and global solidarity.

6. China’s Growing Role in Climate Action

India also observed China’s increasing involvement in climate finance discussions at COP29. Although China is still classified as a developing country, it offered to contribute voluntarily to the climate finance pool, signalling its intention to play a larger role in global climate action. This development has implications for India, as it may shift the dynamics of leadership among emerging economies in future climate negotiations.

India’s relationship with China in the climate sphere is complex. While both nations share common interests as large developing economies, they also compete for influence in global discussions. India’s strong stance at COP29 reflects its determination to ensure that its voice—and the voices of other developing nations—is not overshadowed by larger powers like China.

Conclusion

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The Source’s Authority and Ownership of the Article is Claimed By THE STUDY IAS BY MANIKANT SINGH