• UGI USER
  • Jan 02, 2024
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UNPACKING COP28

(COP28’s failure to frame binding commitments raises questions)

 

Syllabus:

  • GS 3: Groupings & Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India’s Interests & Environmental Pollution And Degradation

Focus:

  • The recent COP28 in Dubai, marked by India’s endorsement of declarations rather than binding commitments, prompts a critical examination of the effectiveness of global climate initiatives.
  • While several pledges were made, the reluctance to frame them as binding agreements raises questions about the impact of such undertakings.
Source: Climate Partner
Understanding Conference of the Parties (COP)

·   UNFCCC Framework:

COPs are gatherings that operate within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), initiated in 1992.

·   Primary Goal – Paris Agreement:

Participants evaluate global efforts in line with the Paris Agreement, striving to limit global warming to around 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels.

·   Decision-Making Body:

COPs function as the primary decision-making body of the UNFCCC.

·   Adoption of Decisions:

Decisions and resolutions on crucial climate action areas, including mitigation, adaptation, finance, technology, and transparency, are adopted during COP sessions.

Hence, COP 28 represents the 28th Session of COP to the UNFCCC. 

COP28 Pledges- A Patchy Scenario:

  • India, among other nations, refrained from signing binding commitments at COP28.
  • Endorsed declarations related to low-carbon hydrogen and finance accessibility.
  • The lack of binding agreements calls into question the efficacy of the annual event.

Temperature Projections and Emission Disparities:

UN Temperature Predictions:

  • The UN predicts a temperature increase between 2.5 and 2.9 degrees.
  • Even with this year’s pledges, meeting the 1.5 degrees Celsius target set at COP21 seems challenging.

Per Capita Emissions Analysis:

  • Per capita emissions since the Rio Earth Summit in 1992 reveal stark disparities.
  • The average American emitted significantly more greenhouse gases than the global average, emphasizing the need for ambitious emission reduction goals.

Global Emissions and Responsibilities:

  • Calculation of per capita emissions since the Rio Earth Summit reveals significant disparities.
  • G20 countries: G20 countries contributed 74 percent of global emissions in 2021, with varied commitment levels.
  • India, Brazil, and Indonesia, accounting for 19 percent
Methane as a Bridge Fuel

COP28 text designates natural gas as a necessary bridge fuel despite methane’s significant warming contribution.
Key Outcomes of COP 28

Loss and Damage Fund:

·   Initiated COP-27 and operationalized at COP-28

Concerns:

·   Only $790 million pledged, far from the required $100 billion to $400 billion annually.

·   Concerns raised about World Bank’s oversight, autonomy, and agility in fund response.

Global Stocktake (GST):

·   First Global Stocktake (GST) introduced to assess Paris Agreement goals.

·   Declaration allows the use of “transitional fuels” and mentions unproven technologies like carbon capture.

Green Finance Initiatives:

·   Green Climate Fund received $3.5 billion, and Adaptation Fund gained $188 million.

·   ALTERRA initiative aimed to mobilize $250 billion globally by 2030.

Initiation :

·         COP-28 featured firsts like climate and health declaration, emphasis on nature-based solutions, and commitment to sustainable food systems.

India and COP-28:

1. India’s Action

  • India abstained from signing the climate and health declaration, citing potential impacts on healthcare infrastructure.
  • The Global Methane Pledge, focusing on methane reduction, didn’t include India due to a shift from carbon dioxide.

2. India’s Coal Dependency:

  • Despite strides in renewable energy, coal investments constitute a significant portion of India’s energy supply.
  • Nearly 280 districts in India have some form of coal dependency, posing challenges to a swift transition.

3. India’s Role :

  • India emphasizes equity, climate justice, and energy access, shaping global discourse.
  • India can tackle methane concerns through technology and improved water management.
  • Existing technology can significantly reduce methane from paddy cultivation, showcasing potential avenues for emission reduction.

4. Achievements:

  • Successfully reduced emission intensity by 33 percent and surpasses its 2030 target ahead of schedule.

Challenges :

  • Methane Pollution:
  • Addressing the anthropogenic sources of methane emission .
  • Coal Transitioning : 
  • Transitioning away from coal requires careful planning to avoid severe human, economic, and social costs.
  • Economic viability of coal diminishes as renewables become more cost-effective.
  • Policy Alignment:
  • Despite achievements, challenges persist in aligning policies with sustainable development goals.
  • Balancing economic needs with environmental concerns remains a key challenge.
  • Disparity in Initiatives:
  • While some nations like the EU, Japan, and the UK are reducing pollution, others, including Russia, lack substantial emission-cutting initiatives.
  • Disproportionate Contribution :
  • Expecting abrupt cuts in fossil fuel usage from these countries may be unfair given their historical contributions.

The Way Forward:

  • COP conferences offer hope in technological advancements, global financial support, and moral pressure.
  • Focus should shift to upgrading the grid, overcoming financial challenges, and implementing regulatory mechanisms for solar mini-grids.
  • Robust commitments from leaders worldwide are crucial to avert a climate disaster.
  • Continued evaluation and adaptation of climate strategies are imperative for meaningful progress.
  • A more effective strategy involves powerful nations setting ambitious targets and influencing others to follow suit.

In conclusion, COP28’s outcomes highlight the need for stronger global commitments and a comprehensive approach to address the complexities of climate change. Leaders must prioritize sustainable policies, equity, and cooperation to effectively tackle the challenges posed by a changing climate.

 

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-in-2024-elections-economic-trajectory-and-key-factors-to-watch-9087999/lite/

Mains Practice Question:

Critically analyze the outcomes of COP28 in Dubai, particularly the lack of binding commitments from many nations, including India. Discuss the challenges and limitations of the current global climate action framework.