• UGI USER
  • Dec 14, 2023
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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.