Syllabus
GS Paper III – Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Context
The annual global climate conference, COP29, recently concluded in Baku, Azerbaijan.
29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29)
Introduction
The annual global climate conference, COP29, recently concluded in Baku, Azerbaijan, bringing together the primary governing body of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Established during the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, the UNFCCC aims to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations to prevent severe human-induced climate disruptions. This international treaty includes 198 parties, comprising 197 countries and the European Union, showcasing a near-universal commitment to climate action. The COP29 conference continues to play a critical role in guiding global climate negotiations and fostering collaborative efforts to address the pressing challenges of climate change.
Context of COP29 in Baku
- Fossil Fuel Emissions: According to the UN, burning coal, oil, and gas contributes to more than 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions and approximately 90% of all carbon dioxide emissions.
- Rising Temperatures: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) predicts that 2024 will be the warmest year on record, with global temperatures 1.3°C above pre-industrial levels, marking the last decade as the hottest in history, necessitating immediate action.
- Political Uncertainty: Potential policy shifts in the U.S. under Donald Trump, who previously exited the Paris Agreement, could jeopardize global climate commitments and diplomatic efforts.
- Unmet Climate Finance:
- The annual pledge of $100 billion from 2009 remains unmet, complicated by ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine.
- Debates over funding also add to the complexity.
- Establishing an ambitious New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) is vital to bridge this gap and clarify future commitments.
Key Milestones in UNFCCC COP Conferences
- Kyoto Protocol (1997):
- COP3 witnessed a pivotal accord, establishing legally binding emission reduction targets for developed nations.
- Copenhagen Accord (2009):
- During COP15, developed countries committed to providing $100 billion annually by 2020 to support climate action in developing countries.
- Paris Agreement (2015):
- At COP21, nations pledged to limit global temperature rise to below 2°C, with a goal of capping it at 1.5°C.
- Glasgow Climate Pact (2021):
- COP26 focused on phasing out coal and increasing commitments to climate finance.
- Loss and Damage Fund (2023):
- COP28 initiated a fund to assist countries affected by climate-related disasters.
Overview of COP29
- COP 29 Definition:
- Represents the 29th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
- Primary platform for countries to deliberate and decide on measures to tackle climate change.
- Venue:
- Held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
- Theme:
- Focused on “Investing in a livable planet for all.”
- Focus of COP29:
- Finance COP:
- Aims to set up a new collective quantified goal (NCQG) to gather financial resources for climate action, particularly aiding developing nations.
- Energy Transition:
- Seeks methods to speed up the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
- Global Adaptation Strategies:
- Focused on strategies to combat climate vulnerability and limit global warming to below 1.5°C (2.7°F) above pre-industrial levels.
- Global Stocktake:
- The culmination of the first Global Stocktake, initiated at COP26, is a pivotal element.
- Loss and Damage Fund:
- Aim to operationalize the fund to assist countries most affected by climate catastrophes.
- Article 6 of the Paris Agreement:
- Established principles for carbon markets and ways countries could collaborate to reach climate goals.
- Although rules were set at COP26, further guidance is needed to fully operationalize it.
- Finance COP:
Key Outcomes from COP29
- Global Carbon Market:
- Agreement on international carbon market standards under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
- Provides two pathways for nations and companies to trade carbon offsets, aiding in meeting emission reduction targets in climate action plans or nationally determined contributions.
- This framework has the potential to direct resources to developing countries and could save up to $250 billion annually through cross-border cooperation.
- Implementing Loss and Damage Support:
- Progress made in operationalizing the Loss and Damage Fund, offering financial assistance to nations vulnerable to climate impacts.
- Global Energy Storage and Grid Pledge:
- Pledge signatories commit to deploying 1,500 GW of energy storage worldwide by 2030.
- COP Hydrogen Declaration Launched:
- Pledge signatories commit to scaling up production of renewable, zero-emission, and low-carbon hydrogen, and accelerating the decarbonization of existing hydrogen production from unabated fossil fuels.
- Launch of the Hydro4NetZero-LAC Initiative:
- Initiative aims to develop and modernize sustainable hydropower infrastructure.
- Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative:
- Launched in collaboration with FAO, this initiative aims to unify various efforts to address climate change in agriculture through adaptation and mitigation.
- Global Energy Efficiency Alliance, COP29:
- Launched by the UAE at COP29, following the momentum from the UAE Consensus during COP28.
- Highlights the UAE’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and conserving natural resources through global collaboration.
- Publication of Climate Change Performance Index 2025:
- Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) uses a standardized framework to compare the climate performance of 63 countries and the EU (accounting for over 90% of global greenhouse gas emissions) across four categories: GHG Emissions, Renewable Energy, Energy Use, and Climate Policy.
- Baku Declaration on Climate Transparency:
- Declaration calls for global commitment to fully operationalize the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF).
- Strengthening Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs):
- Countries are encouraged to enhance their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), with a deadline to update commitments by 2025.
India’s Stand at the UNFCCC-CoP29 Plenary Session
- Mitigation Work Programme (MWP):
- The MWP is a process established by the UNFCCC to assist countries in scaling up mitigation ambitions and implementation to meet the 1.5°C target of the Paris Agreement.
- India expressed dissatisfaction with the reluctance of developed countries to engage in the Climate Finance and Mitigation Work Programme at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
- India asserts that the MWP should be a platform for open dialogue and idea exchange, and must be non-punitive and non-prescriptive.
- Opposition to EU’s Carbon Border Tax:
- At COP29, India and China opposed the European Union’s proposed carbon border tax, which seeks to impose levies on imported goods like steel, cement, and aluminium to ensure fair competition for EU products while reducing emissions.
- They argue that the tax contradicts UN climate principles and unfairly burdens their economies.
- Finance vs. Mitigation in Climate Action:
- India firmly stated that any attempt to divert focus from Finance to repeated emphasis on mitigation is unacceptable.
- New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG):
- India highlighted that grant-based concessional Climate Finance is essential for formulating and implementing new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
- Without adequate means of implementation, action will be severely hampered.
- Global Stocktake (GST):
- India does not agree with following up on the GST outcomes. As per the Paris Agreement, GST is only meant to inform parties to undertake climate action.
- India on Just Transition:
- India strongly declined to renegotiate the shared understanding of ‘Just Transitions’ from the Dubai decision.
- Just Transition is often viewed as a domestic issue, with national governments responsible for ensuring fairness.
- However, India emphasizes that a true Just Transition starts globally, with developed countries leading in mitigation and providing support to developing nations.
Significance of COP for India
- Advancing Climate Goals:
- COP discussions are vital for India to progress its climate objectives, secure climate finance, and tackle the challenges of transitioning to a cleaner energy future.
- India’s Climate Commitments and NDCs:
- First NDC Submission: India submitted its first Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the UNFCCC on October 2, 2015.
- Updated NDC (2022): In August 2022, India updated its NDC, detailing climate goals for 2030.
- Achievements in Climate Targets:
- Reduction in Emissions Intensity: India has decreased the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33-35% from 2005 levels.
- Non-Fossil Fuel Energy Capacity: About 40% of India’s electric power installed capacity comes from non-fossil fuel-based energy sources.
- Net-Zero Commitment: India is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 under the Paris Agreement.
- India’s Role in Climate Finance:
- Carbon Credit Market: India is a significant beneficiary of climate finance, holding approximately 31% of the global carbon credits market.
- CDM Projects: India has the second-largest number of registered projects under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol.
- Renewable Energy Projects: These contribute around 50% of CDM initiatives in India.
- LiFE Initiative: India promotes the LiFE initiative, encouraging sustainable consumption patterns and eco-friendly practices globally.
- Need for Investment and Technological Upgrade:
- Dependence on Fossil Fuels: With 78% of its energy needs met through fossil fuels, primarily coal, India faces significant challenges in transitioning to renewable energy.
- Loss and Damage Fund:
- Under the Loss and Damage Fund expected to be operationalized at COP, India could receive substantial financial support due to frequent extreme events such as floods and cyclones affecting local communities, especially indigenous people.
- India has the second-highest population of indigenous people after Africa.
Post-COP29 Challenges
- Deadlock on a New Climate Finance Goal (NCQG):
- Developed countries proposed no more than $250 billion by 2035 as the New Collective Quantified Goal for Climate Finance (NCQG), despite recognizing the necessity of at least $700 billion by 2030 for developing nations.
- This was unacceptable to many developing countries and might impact the update of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
- Management of the Loss and Damage Fund:
- The implementation of the Loss and Damage Fund remains complex.
- Ensuring fair distribution of funds to countries most vulnerable to climate impacts and managing these funds efficiently will need clear governance structures, monitoring systems, and coordination among international bodies.
- Implementation of Agreements:
- While COP29 may set ambitious goals, the real challenge lies in turning agreements into action.
- Previous commitments, including climate finance pledges and emission reduction targets, have often faced delays or been unmet.
- Political Will and Global Cooperation:
- Climate policies frequently face resistance due to national interests, economic constraints, or political opposition.
- Monitoring and Accountability:
- Ensuring transparency and accountability in the execution of climate actions will be difficult.
- There is a necessity for robust mechanisms to track progress on emissions reductions, climate finance, and adaptation projects to prevent greenwashing or delays in meeting commitments.
- Mitigation and Adaptation Commitments:
- Despite nations pledging net-zero targets, disparities in implementation and ambition continue, particularly between developed and developing economies.
- Geopolitical Conflicts:
- For instance, the war in Ukraine has shifted Europe’s focus towards energy security, diverting attention and resources from long-term climate goals.
- Ensuring Just Transition:
- As the world shifts towards a low-carbon economy, ensuring a just transition for workers and communities reliant on high-carbon industries will be a significant challenge.
Way Forward
- Strengthening Global Cooperation:
- To navigate geopolitical tensions, nations must prioritize collaborative action on climate change.
- Enhanced diplomatic efforts are essential to facilitate agreements on emissions reductions, renewable energy, and finance mobilization.
- Enhanced Technology Transfer:
- COP29 should emphasize the transfer of clean energy technologies to developing nations.
- Initiatives like the International Solar Alliance should be expanded to support global energy transitions.
- Operationalizing the Loss and Damage Fund:
- To effectively operationalize the Loss and Damage Fund, it’s crucial to establish funding criteria, clear allocation mechanisms, and guidelines for mobilizing and distributing funds to address loss and damage.
Conclusion
COP29 marked a pivotal moment in climate action by establishing standards for international carbon markets, progressing the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund, and committing to increased climate finance. While these achievements are significant, the path ahead is fraught with challenges, including the effective implementation of agreements, securing sufficient funding, and sustaining global cooperation. To meet long-term climate goals, it is imperative that nations remain committed to these initiatives, address the gaps in funding and governance, and work collaboratively to overcome geopolitical and economic obstacles. The momentum built at COP29 must translate into tangible actions and sustained efforts.
Source: DTE
Related PYQ
Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? [UPSC CSE – 2021 Mains]
Practice Question
Discuss the key outcomes and challenges of the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) and their implications for global climate action. How can India leverage these outcomes to advance its climate commitments and address its environmental challenges? [250 words]
Guidelines to Answer the Question
- Introduction:
- Briefly introduce COP29, its significance, and the main focus of the conference.
- Key Outcomes of COP29:
- Mention the significant agreements such as international carbon market standards, Loss and Damage Fund, and climate finance pledges.
- Highlight any new initiatives or declarations made during COP29.
- Challenges Post-COP29:
- Identify and discuss the major challenges in implementing the agreements.
- Explain issues related to climate finance, geopolitical conflicts, and the complexity of operationalizing new funds.
- Implications for Global Climate Action:
- Discuss how the outcomes of COP29 will impact global efforts to combat climate change.
- Analyze the potential benefits and limitations of the agreements reached.
- India’s Role and Strategy:
- Detail how India can leverage COP29 outcomes to strengthen its climate commitments.
- Discuss India’s current climate actions and goals, including its NDCs and renewable energy targets.
- Explain the significance of international cooperation and technology transfer for India.
- Address how India can address its environmental challenges, such as dependence on fossil fuels and the need for climate finance.
- Conclusion:
- Summarize the key points discussed and provide a balanced view on the way forward for global and national climate action post-COP29.