INDIA’S RESPONSE TO DUBAI CONSENSUS
Why in the News?
Amid the global shift away from fossil fuels, India welcomed the consensus reached in Dubai.
What is the Dubai Consensus?
- The Dubai Consensus is a comprehensive document that calls for a transition away from fossil fuels to achieve net zero by 2050.
- It encourages Parties to submit economy-wide Nationally Determined Contributions and sets specific targets, including tripling renewables and doubling energy efficiency by 2030
India’s Historical Position and Current Stand
- India’s Historical Emissions and Status:
- India, a developing country, historically emitted 3% of greenhouse gases (1850-2019) compared to 25% by the United States and 17% by the European Union.
- Despite being the third-largest emitter, India emphasizes its unique national circumstances.
- Transition to Renewable Energy:
- India, while reliant on coal, is expanding solar and wind energy capacity to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
- Balancing the exploitation of coal with a commitment to renewable energy sources.
Challenges and Contentions
- Lack of differentiation :
- Concerns arise as the text lacks differentiation between industrial and agricultural methane emissions, posing potential contentions.
- Treatment of Natural Gas as a “Transition Fuel”:
- The text designates natural gas as a “transition gas” during the shift to renewable energy.
- Critics argue that this provision gives gas-producing countries leeway to prioritize gas over renewable energy, raising concerns about environmental impact.
Lingering Issues from COP-28 and Future Negotiations
- Despite the Dubai Consensus, language from COP-28 on “accelerating the phase-down of unabated coal power” remains relevant.
- India’s stance against singling out coal persists, especially considering the expanded use and production of oil and gas by some countries.
There is a need for nuanced approaches to address diverse emissions sources and concerns raised by different countries.