India called on nations to uphold the principle of “Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC)”, which ensures climate justice and equity between developed and developing nations.
What is COP?
- The COP is the supreme decision-making body of the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change).
- It brings together representatives from all member countries (called Parties) to review progress and negotiate actions to combat climate change.
- The first COP (COP1) was held in Berlin, Germany (1995). COP meetings are held annually, where nations discuss greenhouse gas reduction targets, adaptation, and financing for climate action.
Major COP Outcomes:
- COP3 (1997, Kyoto): Kyoto Protocol – set legally binding emission targets for developed nations.
- COP21 (2015, Paris): Paris Agreement – aimed to limit global temperature rise to below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C.
- COP26 (2021, Glasgow): Launched the Global Methane Pledge and pushed for net-zero commitments.
- COP28 (2023, Dubai): First-ever Global Stocktake of Paris Agreement implementation.
UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change)
- Adopted in 1992 at the Rio Earth Summit in Brazil. Entered into force in 1994 and now has 198 member countries.
- stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that prevents dangerous human interference with the climate system.
- Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR): Developed nations, being historically responsible for emissions, must take the lead in reducing them.
- IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) provides scientific data. Green Climate Fund (GCF) supports developing countries with finance and technology for adaptation and mitigation.
The Paris Climate Agreement (2015)
- Adopted at COP21 in Paris, the agreement aims to limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, preferably to 1.5°C.
- It establishes Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) — voluntary national plans to cut emissions and adapt to climate change.
- Core principle: CBDR-RC, acknowledging that while all countries must act, developed nations bear greater historical responsibility for emissions and must provide finance and technology support to developing countries.
India’s Position at COP30
- Preserve the Paris Agreement: India said the Paris climate framework should not be changed or weakened.
- Ensure Equity and Climate Justice: India urged countries to act fairly and equitably, reminding that developing nations must not be forced to bear the same emission reduction burden as developed nations.
- Focus on National Adaptation Plans (NAPs): India requested all countries to submit their NAPs, emphasizing climate resilience and protection for vulnerable communities.
- Address Finance and Technology Gaps: India pointed out that developed countries have not delivered the promised $100 billion per year in climate finance and urged greater support for funding and green technology transfer.
INDIA’S COMMITMENTS UNDER THE PARIS AGREEMENT
Updated NDC (2022):
- Reduce emission intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 (from 2005 levels).
- Achieve 50% cumulative electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.
- Attain Net Zero by 2070 as per Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement at COP26 (Glasgow).
National Programs:
- National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and state-level SAPCCs.
- Green Hydrogen Mission, National Solar Mission, and E-Mobility Mission.
- LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) campaign promoting sustainable consumption.
Conclusion
India’s position at COP30 reflects its balanced approach in defending the principle of equity and shared but differentiated responsibilities. Preserving the Paris Agreement’s architecture is essential to ensure trust, fairness, and effectiveness in global climate governance.
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