COP 28: India’s equity demand
The Convention recognises the ‘common but differentiated responsibilities and respective
capabilities’ (CBDRRC) principle. This means different States have different responsibilities and respective capabilities in tackling climate change. This principle has been reaffirmed in the Paris Agreement, whose main aim is to hold “the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels’‘ and pursue efforts “to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels”.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Sixth Assessment Report (IPCC AR6), every 1,000 billion tonnes of CO2 in emissions causes an estimated 0.45 degrees Celsius rise in the global surface temperature. Axiomatically, limiting the rise in global temperature to a specific level means limiting cumulative carbon dioxide emission to within a carbon budget.
1. The Paris Agreement
The Paris Agreement, often referred to as the Paris Accords or the Paris Climate Accords, is an international treaty on climate change adopted by 196 Parties at the 21st Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 21) in Paris, France, on 12 December 2015. It entered into force on 4 November 2016.
Goals of the Paris Agreement
The main goal of the Paris Agreement is to limit the global temperature rise to well below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5 °C. The agreement also aims to increase the ability of countries to deal with the impacts of climate change and to make finance flows consistent with low GHG emissions and climate-resilient pathways.
Key Provisions of the Paris Agreement
The Paris Agreement includes the following key provisions:
- Each country that joins the Paris Agreement must provide a plan for reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. These plans are known as nationally determined contributions (NDCs).
- The Paris Agreement sets a long-term goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in the second half of the century.
- The Paris Agreement also includes provisions for adaptation to the impacts of climate change and for providing financial support to developing countries.
- The Paris Agreement requires countries to provide regular updates on their progress in implementing their NDCs.
- The Paris Agreement will be reviewed every five years to assess progress and make adjustments as needed.
Impact of the Paris Agreement
The Paris Agreement has been hailed as a major step forward in the fight against climate change. It is the first time that all countries have agreed to take action to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. The agreement has also helped to mobilize billions of dollars in climate finance for developing countries.
Challenges to Implementing the Paris Agreement
There are several challenges to implementing the Paris Agreement, including:
- Many countries' current NDCs are not ambitious enough to meet the Paris Agreement goals.
- Developing countries need significant financial support to implement their climate change plans.
- Developing countries need access to clean technologies to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
- All countries need to demonstrate strong political will to implement the Paris Agreement.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the leading international body for the assessment of climate change. It was established in 1988 by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to provide the world with a clear, objective, and independent view of the current state of knowledge on climate change and its potential environmental and socioeconomic impacts.
The IPCC's Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) is the latest assessment of the scientific, technical, and socioeconomic information relevant to the understanding of climate change. It is the most comprehensive and authoritative assessment of climate change ever produced, and it represents the work of thousands of scientists from around the world.
Key Findings of AR6
AR6 provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge on climate change, including the following key findings:
- Human activities have warmed the planet by about 1.1 degrees Celsius since the late 19th century. This warming has caused widespread changes in the Earth's climate system, including rising sea levels, melting glaciers, and more extreme weather events.
- Climate change is already causing a range of impacts, including more extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and changes in plant and animal life. These impacts are expected to become more severe in the future.
- To avoid the worst impacts of climate change, global greenhouse gas emissions need to peak by 2025 and reach net zero by 2050.
Importance of AR6
AR6 is an essential resource for policymakers, scientists, and the general public. It provides a comprehensive and authoritative assessment of the current state of knowledge on climate change, and it highlights the urgent need for action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
3. U.N. Development Programme’s Multidimensional Poverty Index Report 2023
The U.N. Development Programme's Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is a global indicator that measures poverty beyond income. It takes into account ten dimensions of poverty: access to education, access to health, child nutrition, adult survival, sanitation, housing, water, electricity, assets, and cooking fuel.
The 2023 MPI report, titled "Unstacking global poverty: Data for high-impact action," finds that 1.1 billion people, or 14% of the world's population, live in multidimensional poverty. This means that they are deprived of at least three dimensions of well-being.
Key Findings of the Report
- Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rate of multidimensional poverty, with 54% of the population living in this state. South Asia has the second-highest rate, with 25% of the population living in multidimensional poverty.
- About 566 million children under the age of 18 are living in multidimensional poverty. This means that they are deprived of at least three dimensions of well-being.
- The global MPI has declined by only 10.9% since 2000. This means that the rate of progress is not fast enough to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to end poverty in all its forms by 2030.
Recommendations from the Report
The report recommends several actions to accelerate progress on reducing multidimensional poverty, including:
- Early childhood development is a critical investment in human capital. It can help to break the cycle of poverty by giving children the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in school and life.
- Education and healthcare are essential services that can help to lift people out of poverty. Governments should invest in providing quality education and healthcare to all people, regardless of their income or background.
- Social protection programs can provide a safety net for people who are living in poverty. These programs can help to ensure that people have access to necessities, such as food and shelter.
- Sustainable infrastructure can help to reduce poverty by providing access to essential services, such as clean water, sanitation, and electricity.
- Women and girls are disproportionately affected by poverty. Empowering women and girls can help reduce poverty by giving them the skills and opportunities they need to succeed.
The 28th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), also known as the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2023, will be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 30 to December 12, 2023. The conference will bring together representatives from nearly 200 nations to discuss and negotiate ways to address climate change.
Themes of COP28
The COP28 presidency has identified four key themes for the conference:
- COP28 aims to accelerate the delivery of climate finance, particularly to developing countries, and to ensure that climate finance is aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
- COP28 will focus on accelerating the transition to clean energy sources, such as solar and wind power, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
- COP28 will emphasize the importance of protecting nature and ensuring that climate action is inclusive and equitable.
- COP28 aims to ensure that all stakeholders, including young people, women, and indigenous peoples, have a voice in the climate negotiations.
Expectations for COP28
COP28 is expected to be a significant event in the global effort to address climate change. The conference is expected to produce several outcomes, including:
- A clear roadmap for how to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.
- Increased financial commitments from developed countries to developing countries to support climate action.
- New agreements on specific sectors, such as energy and transportation.
Challenges for COP28
COP28 will face several challenges, including:
- The pandemic could make it difficult for some countries to participate in the conference in person.
- The war in Ukraine could divert attention away from climate change and make it more difficult to reach a consensus on climate action.
- The world is not on track to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, and there is a need for more ambitious action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
5. India's Carbon Budget
The global carbon budget, crucial for maintaining temperature limits, is a shared resource. However, its equitable distribution is a concern, and India must recognize its "fair share" as a strategic national resource. Overexploitation by developed countries threatens India's reserves.
In a rapidly depleting carbon budget, India must assert its strategic national resources. Failing to deploy resources strategically risks exploitation by developed nations. COP 28 presents an opportunity for India to secure its fair share, aligning with the principles of the UNFCCC.
The dominance of non-renewable energy (oil, coal, and gas) persists globally. Developed countries' calls for rapid changes and coal phase-out clash with their own actions, reopening coal plants. Gas is labeled "green," complicating the transition. India must navigate these challenges at COP 28.
India's developmental strides, lifting millions out of poverty, underscore its commitment. At COP 28, India should demand fair access to its carbon budget and financial reparations. Developing countries should not bear the brunt of challenges created by developed nations without substantial support.
India's proactive initiatives (International Solar Alliance, etc.) demonstrate leadership. At COP 28, India should advocate for fairness within the global order, demanding its carbon budget share or equivalent reparations. Climate finance promises must be fulfilled, moving beyond rhetoric to concrete actions.
6. Conclusion
Despite these challenges, there are several things that India can do to ensure that it has a fair share of the carbon budget. One important step is to continue to invest in renewable energy and other clean technologies. India should also work with other developing countries to build a united front at COP 28. The carbon budget is a critical issue for India. By taking a strong stance at COP 28, India can help to ensure that it has a fair share of this vital resource.
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Mains Pratice Questions 1. What impact has the Paris Agreement had on global climate action? Discuss the challenges in its implementation. (250 Words)
2. Discuss India's stance on asserting its fair share of the carbon budget at COP 28 and the challenges it may encounter. (250 Words)
3. Analyze the U.N. Development Programme's Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) Report 2023 and identify the challenges and opportunities it presents for poverty reduction in India. (250 Words)
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