Roadmap for Answer Writing
Introduction
- Context: Introduce COP26 and its significance as a global climate conference.
- Objective: State that the answer will cover major outcomes and India’s commitments at COP26.
Relevant Fact
- COP26 took place in Glasgow in November 2021 under the UNFCCC framework (Source: UNFCCC Conference Reports).
Major Outcomes of COP26
- Methane Pledge:
- Description: Detail the pledge by the EU and the US to reduce methane emissions.
- Target: Reduction of global methane emissions by 30% below 2020 levels by 2030.
Relevant Fact
- This pledge could prevent a global temperature rise of 0.2 degrees Celsius (Source: Climate Action Reports).
- Deforestation Pledge:
- Description: Mention the commitment by over 100 countries to halt deforestation.
- Goal: Reverse deforestation and land degradation by 2030.
Relevant Fact
- This builds on the commitment made by 40 countries in the 2014 New York Declaration of Forests (Source: Deforestation Agreements).
- Climate Finance:
- Call for Action: Discuss the emphasis on increasing climate finance.
- India’s Position: Highlight India’s call for at least USD 1 trillion annually.
Relevant Fact
- This surpasses the previous commitment of USD 100 billion made in 2009 (Source: Climate Finance Reports).
- Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS):
- Initiative: Describe India’s launch of the IRIS initiative.
- Purpose: To develop infrastructure for small island developing nations (SIDNs) vulnerable to climate change.
Relevant Fact
- The initiative aims to provide timely data systems for SIDNs (Source: IRIS Initiative Overview).
- One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG):
- Collaboration: Mention the partnership between India and the UK.
- Objective: Harness solar energy and enable cross-border transmission.
Relevant Fact
- This initiative aims to create a global solar power grid (Source: OSOWOG Framework).
India’s Commitments at COP26
- Net-zero Emissions:
- Commitment: Achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
Relevant Fact
- This reflects India’s long-term climate strategy (Source: COP26 Summary Reports).
- Non-Fossil Energy Capacity:
- Target: Increase non-fossil energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030.
- Carbon Intensity Reduction:
- Goal: Reduce carbon intensity by 45% by 2030.
- Renewable Energy Adoption:
- Objective: Fulfill 50% of energy needs through renewable sources by 2030.
- Carbon Emissions Reduction:
- Pledge: Reduce 1 billion tonnes of carbon emissions by 2030.
Relevant Fact
- These commitments reflect India’s dedication to sustainable development (Source: India’s COP26 Commitments).
Conclusion
- Summary: Recap the major outcomes of COP26 and India’s commitments.
- Significance: Highlight the importance of these actions in the global fight against climate change.
Model Answer
Introduction
The 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was held in Glasgow in November 2021. This conference aimed to accelerate global climate action and secure commitments from nations to mitigate climate change.
Major Outcomes of COP26
India’s Commitments at COP26
Conclusion
COP26 resulted in significant commitments and initiatives aimed at addressing climate change. India’s pledges, including achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and expanding renewable energy capacity, reflect its dedication to sustainable development and global climate action.
The 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) yielded significant outcomes. The Glasgow Climate Pact aimed to turn the 2020s into a decade of climate action and support, with nations reaffirming their duty to fulfill the pledge of providing $100 billion annually from developed to developing countries .
*Key Outcomes:*
– _Strengthened Resilience_: Efforts to build resilience to climate change were strengthened.
– _Greenhouse Gas Emissions_: Nations agreed to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
– _Finance Provision_: Necessary finance for both adaptation and mitigation was provisioned.
– _Phasing Down Unabated Coal Power_: For the first time, nations were called upon to phase down unabated coal power and inefficient subsidies for fossil fuels .
India made notable commitments at COP26, including:
– *Panchamrit*: Five elements of India’s climate action, which include:
– Achieving 500 GW non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.
– Meeting 50% of energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030.
– Reducing total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes from 2021 to 2030.
– Reducing the carbon intensity of the economy by 45% by 2030, over 2005 levels.
– Achieving net zero emissions by 2070 .
– *Lifestyle for Environment (LIFE)*: Promoting a healthy and sustainable way of living based on traditions and values of conservation and moderation.
– *Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)*: India updated its NDCs to reflect its commitments under the Paris Agreement .
These commitments demonstrate India’s dedication to addressing climate change and transitioning to a clean and climate-resilient economy.
Major Outcomes of COP26
1. Global Carbon Neutrality Goal: One of the significant outcomes of COP26 was the adoption of a global goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. This commitment, endorsed by many nations, aims to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels to avoid the most severe impacts of climate change.
2. Phasing Down Coal: The conference saw a historic agreement to phase down unabated coal power and inefficient fossil fuel subsidies. This was a key development in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, although the final language was softened from an initial phase-out to a phase-down, reflecting negotiations between coal-dependent nations and other parties.
3. Climate Finance: Developed countries reiterated their commitment to provide $100 billion annually in climate finance to developing nations by 2025. This is aimed at supporting climate adaptation and mitigation efforts in vulnerable countries.
4. Glasgow Climate Pact: The Glasgow Climate Pact was adopted, which includes commitments to strengthen national climate plans (Nationally Determined Contributions or NDCs) and enhance global efforts to adapt to climate impacts.
Commitments Made by India
1. Net-Zero Emissions Target: India committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, marking a significant pledge towards long-term climate goals.
2. Renewable Energy Expansion: India set a target to increase its non-fossil fuel energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030 and meet 50% of its energy needs from renewables by 2030.
3. Green Bonds: India announced plans to issue green bonds to finance climate projects, emphasizing its commitment to mobilize climate finance for sustainable development.
4. Enhancing Adaptation Efforts: India also pledged to strengthen its climate adaptation efforts, focusing on improving resilience against climate impacts and supporting vulnerable communities.
Recent Examples: India’s pledge to enhance renewable energy was reflected in its efforts to build large-scale solar parks and invest in wind energy projects, contributing to its renewable capacity goals.
Overall, COP26 marked a significant step in global climate diplomacy, with critical commitments aimed at reducing emissions, enhancing climate finance, and accelerating the transition to a sustainable future. India’s contributions underscore its role in global climate action while balancing developmental needs.