Syllabus
GS Paper 3 – Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Context
While global consensus and funding remain elusive, local and national actions are making tangible progress.
Source
The Hindu| Editorial dated 4th December 2024
Local action amidst global inertia
The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) concluded with a climate finance pledge, wherein developed countries are expected to provide $300 billion annually by 2035 for climate action in developing nations. However, this amount falls short of the financial requirements of the developing world, and the issue of global climate gridlock continues to persist.
Climate Finance Pledge: $300 Billion Annually by 2035
- Developed nations have committed to providing $300 billion annually by 2035, but this is seen as insufficient by many developing countries.
- The finance is intended to assist developing countries with climate adaptation, mitigation, and loss and damage due to climate impacts.
- This pledge is a part of the ongoing discussions at COP29 to bridge the financial gap for climate action. However, its implementation remains uncertain.
Challenges in Reaching Consensus
- The principle that developed countries should take the lead in financing climate action in developing countries has been a point of contention.
- Fossil fuel dependency remains entrenched in the developed world, which complicates the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by mid-century.
- The fossil fuel lobby, especially from the oil and gas industry, plays a significant role in hindering climate action.
- The re-election of climate change deniers and the global differential impacts of climate change further complicate the negotiations.
Importance of Global Negotiations
- Despite the challenges, global negotiations are crucial for establishing common goals, setting standards, and ensuring accountability.
- Past successes like the Montreal Protocol, Kyoto Protocol, and Paris Agreement demonstrate the potential for international collaboration in addressing climate change.
- However, the pace of action remains slow, and climate change continues to worsen, with 1.5°C targets already at risk of being exceeded.
The Slow Pace of Global Action
- Even as countries pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the pace of climate action has been sluggish.
- Scientific studies suggest that the 1.5°C target will be breached soon, with severe consequences for natural systems and human livelihoods.
- Heat stress and natural disasters are already evident across the globe, and the unpredictability of future climate impacts raises alarms.
India’s Approach to Climate Change Mitigation
- India’s Clean Energy Transition
- India has put in place several policies and financial mechanisms to drive its clean energy transition, assuming limited international support.
- National Action Plans on climate change have been aligned with sustainable development goals, addressing both mitigation and adaptation.
- India is focusing on reducing its emissions intensity (CO2 per unit of GDP) as part of its commitment under the Paris Agreement.
- PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
- Aiming to address energy poverty, this initiative offers subsidies for rooftop solar installations in households.
- This is a step towards clean energy access and improving energy security for low-income communities.
- The scheme also promotes energy independence by encouraging decentralized energy production.
- PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE)
- This initiative promotes the adoption of zero-emission vehicles, including two-wheelers, three-wheelers, ambulances, and trucks.
- The program offers purchase subsidies and supports the development of charging infrastructure to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles.
- This initiative addresses the dual concerns of air pollution and carbon emissions, contributing to cleaner transportation in urban areas.
- Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) Scheme and Indian Carbon Market
- The PAT scheme encourages industries to improve their energy efficiency and reduce emissions, with a focus on large energy-intensive sectors.
- This will soon be replaced by the Indian Carbon Market , which aims to mobilize investments for carbon reduction.
- The carbon market provides a financial incentive for industries to adopt cleaner technologies and reduce their carbon footprint.
State-Level Action and Local Initiatives in India
- State Action Plans on Climate Change
- India’s State Action Plans on Climate Change are designed to address specific regional vulnerabilities, focusing on sectors like agriculture, water resources, forestry, and disaster risk reduction.
- These plans include targeted measures for climate adaptation, such as enhancing drought resistance, improving water management, and addressing extreme weather events.
- Localized climate strategies ensure that the actions are relevant and effective in addressing the unique climate risks faced by each state.
- Heat Action Plans to Combat Extreme Heat
- With increasing instances of extreme heat and heatwaves, India has implemented Heat Action Plans in several states.
- These plans aim to build resilience in urban and rural communities through early warning systems, heat shelters, and awareness campaigns.
- The goal is to minimize the health impact of rising temperatures, particularly for vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and the poor.
- Mobilizing Community-Based Climate Action
- India has recognized the importance of community-based climate action to build resilience at the grassroots level.
- Local communities are engaged in afforestation programs, water conservation efforts, and sustainable agricultural practices to adapt to climate change.
- These initiatives are also aligned with Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), which emphasizes mindful consumption and promoting a culture of sustainability.
- Enhancing Resilient Infrastructure
- India is investing in resilient infrastructure, such as climate-resilient buildings, flood-resistant roads, and stormwater management systems.
- Emphasis is placed on sustainable urban planning to reduce the vulnerability of cities to climate risks.
- Strengthening infrastructure is essential for supporting long-term climate resilience, especially in rapidly growing urban areas.
Conclusion
While the international climate negotiations at COP29 have made some progress, the gap between the finance pledged and the needs of developing countries remains vast. As global consensus on climate action remains elusive, India’s steps in mitigation and adaptation demonstrate that real change can happen on the ground. The country’s continued focus on emissions reduction, climate adaptation strategies, and mindful consumption will be crucial in meeting the challenges of climate change in the coming decades.
Related PYQ
Should the pursuit of carbon credit and the clean development mechanism set up under UNFCCC be maintained even though there has been a massive slide in the value of carbon credit? Discuss with respect to India’s energy needs for economic growth. [ UPSC Civil Services Exam – Mains 2014]
Practice Question
Evaluate India’s approach to addressing climate change, particularly focusing on its national-level actions and sub-national initiatives. How can these efforts contribute to global climate goals?[150 words]
Guidelines for Answering the Question
- Introduction:
- Start with a brief overview of the global climate change crisis and its implications for both developed and developing nations.
- Body:
- Highlight the importance of international climate negotiations (e.g., COP29) in setting global targets, with a focus on climate finance and mitigation goals.
- Introduce India’s national response to climate change, emphasizing its proactive steps in the absence of substantial international finance.
- Acknowledge the challenges posed by global climate negotiations,
- Emphasize that India’s focus on clean energy, adaptation strategies, proves that substantial progress can be made at the local level.
- Conclusion:
- Conclude by highlighting that while global consensus on climate action remains difficult, India’s climate initiatives set an example for other nations and are crucial for meeting the long-term global climate goals.