India's Role and Challenges in COP28: A Balancing Act between Development and Climate Action
India, the world's most populous nation, is positioning itself as a leader of the global south at the ongoing 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai. However, the country faces a delicate balance between addressing its energy needs, primarily reliant on coal, and the imperative to reduce emissions to achieve net-zero targets. In his opening speech, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the environmental exploitation by wealthier nations and the disproportionate impact on the global south.
Challenges and Priorities: India, responsible for 7.3% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2022, is confronted with the task of balancing economic development and poverty reduction with climate action. The country's emissions per capita are significantly lower than those of developed nations, reflecting its large population. With 210 million people living in poverty, India asserts that coal is essential for its economic growth, constituting 73% of its electricity generation in 2022.
COP28 Strategies: India has strategically refrained from signing declarations that explicitly mention decarbonization, including the Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge, which seeks to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030. Additionally, India rejected a declaration calling for emissions cuts in the health sector. Analysts view this non-engagement as part of India's strategy to address perceived biases in COP negotiations and safeguard its interests.
Anjal Prakash, a climate-policy researcher, notes that India's stance reflects its leadership role for low- and middle-income nations in the global south. These nations argue against a uniform 2050 deadline for achieving net-zero, emphasizing the historical responsibility of high-emitting nations.
Renewable Initiatives: Despite heavy reliance on coal, India is actively investing in renewable energy initiatives. Plans include increasing the share of solar and wind power in electricity generation to 35% by 2032 and raising non-fossil-fuel power capacity to 50% by 2030. These targets align with India's self-imposed 2070 deadline for achieving net-zero emissions.
Emissions Intensity Metric: India, like other emerging economies, measures climate actions using emissions intensity (emissions per unit of GDP) rather than absolute emissions reductions. The country aims to reduce emissions intensity by 45% below 2005 levels by 2030. Experts suggest India is unlikely to shift to absolute emissions metrics until economic growth stabilizes and it becomes a high-income economy.
Loss and Damage Fund: India, along with other climate-vulnerable nations, played a crucial role in advocating for a loss and damage fund at COP28. The fund aims to provide compensation to low-income countries disproportionately affected by climate change. Discussions are ongoing to streamline the fund's mechanisms for swift disbursement.
Conclusion: India's participation in COP28 reflects its commitment to balancing development priorities with climate action. The nation navigates the challenges of addressing poverty, ensuring energy security, and contributing to global climate goals. While emphasizing its role in leading the global south, India actively pursues renewable energy initiatives, presenting a complex yet vital perspective in the international climate discourse.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What challenges does India face in COP28? A1: India faces the challenge of balancing economic development, poverty reduction, and climate action, particularly regarding its reliance on coal for energy needs.
Q2: Why has India refrained from signing certain declarations at COP28? A2: India's non-engagement is viewed as a strategic move to address perceived biases in COP negotiations and protect its interests, especially concerning decarbonization.
Q3: What renewable initiatives is India undertaking? A3: India plans to increase the share of solar and wind power in electricity generation to 35% by 2032 and aims for non-fossil-fuel power to constitute 50% of its capacity by 2030.
Q4: How does India measure its climate actions? A4: India currently uses emissions intensity (emissions per unit of GDP) as a metric and aims to reduce emissions intensity by 45% below 2005 levels by 2030.
Q5: What role did India play in advocating for a loss and damage fund at COP28? A5: India, along with other climate-vulnerable nations, played a crucial role in advocating for a loss and damage fund to compensate low-income countries disproportionately affected by climate change.
Article for Environmental Activists and Inquisitive Citizens
Navigating the intricate landscape of COP28, India asserts its leadership in the global south while addressing the complexities of development and climate action. The nation's reliance on coal for energy needs and its commitment to poverty reduction present a delicate balance. As discussions unfold, India actively pursues renewable energy initiatives, aligning with global climate goals. The nuanced approach reflects India's commitment to both national priorities and international cooperation, making it a crucial player in shaping the future of climate action.
