COP Dubai - What it is and India's role in it?

The Conference of the Parties (COP) 28, held in Dubai, is poised to be a pivotal moment in the global fight against climate change. As nations come together to address the pressing challenges of the time, India’s role at COP Dubai takes center stage, reflecting its commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

What is COP Dubai?

COP Dubai is the 28th iteration of the UN Climate Change Conference 2023. Held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 30 November to 12 December 2023, it was a crucial international gathering where nations negotiated and discussed measures to combat climate change. COP serves as a platform for agreements and commitments aimed at mitigating the impacts of global warming and fostering a sustainable future.

Why is COP28 important?

• COP28 aims to uphold the commitment made by nearly 200 countries in the 2015 Paris Agreement to limit global temperature increase to 1.5° Celsius.
• The significance of the 1.5°C target lies in its role in preventing the most detrimental effects of climate change, as emphasized by the United Nations’ climate body, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
• Presently, long-term warming is approximately 1.1°C or 1.2°C compared to pre-industrial times, marked by the widespread use of fossil fuels. Despite this, recent projections indicate a potential trajectory toward a warming of 2.4°C to 2.7°C by the year 2100, though the exact figures remain uncertain.
• The outcomes of COP28 will play a crucial role in determining our ability to meet the 1.5°C target and mitigate the severe consequences of climate change.

India’s Role at COP Summits in the Past

India has become a crucial player in the global fight against climate change in recent years:

• Since 1992, India has been trying to ensure that the burden of climate action does not disproportionately fall on developing countries. Years later, in 1997, India also played a lead role in the Kyoto Protocol at COP3. The essential tenet of the Kyoto Protocol was that industrialized nations needed to lessen their CO2 emissions.
• Interestingly, India’s role at the COP summits has changed over the years; from being in the background, it has become more assertive and forthcoming in recent years.
• India committed to reducing the Emissions Intensity of its GDP by 45 percent by 2030 and achieving about 50 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030.
• India also pledged that 40% of the total power capacity would be based on non-fossil fuel sources and that the country will create an additional ‘carbon sink’ of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 2030.

India’s Crucial Role in COP28

India’s pivotal role in the COP 28 Climate Change Conference underscores its commitment to addressing climate change on the global stage. India brings a multifaceted approach to the conference, from renewable energy leadership to climate-resilient agriculture and advocacy for climate justice.

Ambitious Climate Targets

Playing a crucial role in the worldwide battle against climate change, India has set bold goals. By 2030, the country aims to generate 40% of its total power from non-fossil fuel sources, showcasing a strong dedication to renewable energy and sustainable development, aligning with the broader goals of COP Dubai.

Renewable Energy Leadership

The nation has been at the forefront of the global shift towards renewable energy. The country’s ambitious initiatives, such as the International Solar Alliance, underline its commitment to harnessing clean energy. COP Dubai provides a platform for India to share its experiences and advocate for increased global cooperation in advancing renewable energy solutions.

In addition to this, the initiative aims to increase the global rate of energy efficiency improvements from around 2% to an annual rate of 4%, potentially offering a pathway to reduce the proportion of fossil fuels in global energy production.

Climate Adaptation and Resilience

Considering the effects of climate change highly influence India, the country places a significant focus on adopting measures to adapt and build resilience. In COP Dubai, India highlighted the importance of tackling the specific difficulties that developing nations encounter, underscoring the necessity for financial and technological assistance to strengthen resilience.

Sustainable Agriculture Practices

The country’s agriculture sector is significantly impacted by climate change. COP Dubai offers India a platform to advocate for sustainable agricultural practices, emphasizing the importance of climate-resilient farming methods and the need for international support in building agricultural resilience.

Carbon Neutrality Goals

Setting an ambitious target, India aims to attain net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. During COP Dubai, India is expected to demonstrate its dedication to decarbonization and advocate for global initiatives to expedite the shift towards a low-carbon economy.

Financing for Sustainability and Environmental Initiatives

During COP28, the UAE committed to providing $270 billion in green finance through its banks by 2030. Several development banks have also taken new steps to increase their funding efforts. This aligns well with the core concept of the loss and damage fund, which will be explored in more detail later.

Way Forward

COP Dubai represented a critical juncture in the global fight against climate change. India’s role is undeniably significant, from advocating for sustainable development and renewable energy to addressing developing nations’ unique challenges. India’s contributions at COP Dubai were poised to shape the international climate agenda and propel the world toward a more sustainable and resilient future. The nation has also proposed that it would like to host the next COP33 in 2028, underscoring its commitment to a greener and healthier world.

Key takeaways

• COP Dubai is a crucial international gathering where nations negotiate and implement measures to combat climate change.
• By 2030, India aims to generate 40% of its total power from non-fossil fuel sources
• India aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.
• India also pledged that 40% of the total power capacity would be based on non-fossil.