Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP-28), offered to host the 33rd edition of this pivotal global summit in India by 2028. This gesture underscores India’s commitment to climate action and its readiness to play a central role in global environmental governance. If this happens then, India would be hosting COP-28 for the second time, following the 8th edition in 2002. This proposal, however, requires approval from other signatories of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
India’s Environmental Vision and Commitments:
Prime Minister emphasised the need for developed countries to “vacate the carbon space” before 2050, advocating for a more equitable approach to global environmental management. He highlighted India’s Green Credit initiative, a non-commercial effort aimed at creating a significant carbon sink. This initiative aligns with India’s commitments made in Glasgow during COP-26, which include reducing the emissions intensity of India’s GDP by 45% and increasing the share of non-fossil fuels to 50% by 2030, eventually achieving net zero by 2070.
A critical aspect of international climate efforts is the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), focusing on climate finance. The initial commitment made in 2009 aimed at transferring nearly $100 billion annually to developing countries through the Green Climate Fund (GCF). However, this goal has seen limited realization. As the $100 billion commitment approaches its 2025 expiration, discussions at COP-28 have focused on exploring new financial commitments and strategies.
The Path to Fossil Fuel Phase-Out:
Debates at COP-28 have included considerations for phasing out all fossil fuels, aligning with scientific recommendations. The European Union and the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) have been vocal advocates for this commitment. The summit’s progress was marked by the agreement to operationalize the Loss and Damage Fund, a significant achievement for nations most vulnerable to climate change.
The summit has not been without its challenges. A leaked letter from the Secretary General of the Oil Producing and Exporting Countries, lobbying against fossil fuel curbs, has sparked tensions. This development highlights the ongoing struggle to balance economic interests with environmental imperatives. Furthermore, the responsibility for global fossil fuel use has often been attributed to major economies like India and China, adding complexity to the negotiations.
Looking Ahead: Global Stocktake and the Dubai Declaration:
As the summit enters it’s last leg, deliberations on the Global Stocktake – a review mechanism of the Paris Agreement’s goals – are in full swing. The focus remains on how to effectively incorporate fossil fuel phase-out in the final declaration, building on the momentum from the Glasgow summit.
India’s proposition to host COP-28 in 2028 is a testament to its growing role and responsibility in global climate discussions.
