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Context:

The 2024 U.S. presidential election may shape global climate action more than COP29, highlighting the challenge of aligning national interests with global goals.

Developed nations may resist change, while countries like India, committed to net zero by 2070, face challenges such as financial constraints and limited resources like land and water for sustainable transitions.

Net-Zero Commitments

India aims for net-zero emissions by 2070, facing challenges like limited resources and financial constraints. With global temperatures already 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels, limiting the rise to 1.5°C is crucial to avoid catastrophic effects. While India's per-capita emissions are low, the wealthiest 10% contribute disproportionately, and climate impacts disproportionately affect economically weaker sections.

COP26 Commitments (“Panchamitra”)

500 GW non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.
50% energy from renewables by 2030.
Cut carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030.
Reduce carbon intensity by 45% (2005 baseline).
Net-zero emissions by 2070.

National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)

The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) was released by the Prime Minister on 30th June 2008. It outlines a national strategy that aims to enable the country to adapt to climate change and enhance the ecological sustainability of India’s development path. It stresses that maintaining a high growth rate is essential for increasing the living standards of the vast majority of people of India and reducing their vulnerability of the impacts of climate change.

Includes eight national missions:

Solar Mission
Enhanced Energy Efficiency
Sustainable Habitat
Water Mission
Himalayan Ecosystem
Green India
Sustainable Agriculture
Strategic Knowledge

Global Efforts for Climate Change

IPCC	Founded in 1988 by WMO and UNEP to address global warming issues, compiling scientific knowledge to complement UNFCCC discussions.
Rio Earth Summit, 1992	Led to the signing of the UNFCCC by 166 countries, recognized humanity's role in climate change, and introduced sustainable development’s three pillars (economic, social, environmental).
Kyoto Protocol	Adopted in 1997, effective from 2005, aimed for emissions cuts by developed countries under the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities" (CBDR).
Cancun Climate Change Conference, 2010	COP16 established the Green Climate Fund, aiming to provide USD 100 billion annually from 2020 to help developing countries with climate change and deforestation.
Paris Agreement, 2015	COP21 set a goal to limit global warming to "well below" 2°C, aiming for 1.5°C, with developed countries supporting developing nations financially and technologically.
COP24, Katowice (2018)	Established a "rulebook" for implementing the Paris Agreement, focusing on climate finance and NDCs.
COP26, Glasgow (2021)	140 countries pledged net-zero emissions, with over 100 committing to end deforestation and reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030.
REDD and REDD+	REDD reduces emissions from deforestation; REDD+ includes additional activities like sustainable forest management, adopted at COP19 (2013) under the Warsaw Framework for REDD+.

India’s Contribution

Net-Zero Target	India has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, balancing development priorities with sustainable practices.
Renewable Energy Leadership	India aims for 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and leads global efforts through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)	India’s updated NDCs include a 45% reduction in carbon intensity of GDP by 2030 and sourcing 50% of energy from renewable sources.
Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE)	India promotes the LiFE initiative, encouraging sustainable consumption patterns and environmentally responsible lifestyles globally.

Current Developments

Climate Finance Deadlock	Developing countries express concerns over the unmet promise of $100 billion annually in climate finance. The New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) remains contentious due to insufficient commitments from developed nations.
Mitigation and Adaptation Commitments	Despite pledges for net-zero emissions, there are significant gaps in implementation and ambition, especially between developed and developing countries.
Youth Activism and Public Engagement	Global youth movements are intensifying their demands for urgent and bold climate action, criticizing the slow pace of negotiations and the influence of fossil fuel interests on summit proceedings.

READ DETAILS HERE

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/baku-the-climate-finance-goal

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/state-of-the-climate-2024-for-cop29

India's net zero goal

India's Green Energy Transition

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/carbon-credits-market

Source:

THE HINDU

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Discuss the challenges and opportunities for India in achieving its net-zero emissions target by 2070. How can policies like the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and international collaborations contribute to balancing development with environmental sustainability? (250 words)