COP29 and India’s Climate Strategy: Schemes and Commitments

Context:

This analysis is derived from an article in The Indian Express (published March 18, 2025), titled "How COP29 outcomes compel countries like India to reassess their climate targets." It discusses the underwhelming climate finance outcomes of COP29 ($300 billion pledged vs. $1 trillion needed annually) and their implications for India’s climate commitments, particularly its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The response integrates India’s government schemes and climate pledges, crucial for understanding its environmental strategy amid global pressures.

Crisp Information in Points:

1. COP29 Outcome: Delivered $300 billion in climate finance by 2035, far short of the $1 trillion annual requirement, weakening support for developing nations like India under the Paris Agreement.
2. India’s Reaction: Condemned the “abysmally poor” funding, opposed Just Transition mandates as against UNFCCC equity principles, highlighting developed nations’ inadequate contributions.
3. Climate Commitments (Panchamrit, COP26):
4. • Achieve 500 GW non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.
   • Source 50% of energy from renewables by 2030.
   • Reduce carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030.
   • Cut carbon intensity of GDP by 45% from 2005 levels by 2030.
   • Reach net-zero emissions by 2070.
4. NDC and BTR Delays: Missed February 10, 2025, NDC update deadline and December 2024 BTR submission, reflecting funding gaps and reassessment needs.
5. Key Government Schemes:
6. • National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC, 2008): Eight missions, including National Solar Mission (solar energy push) and Green India Mission (afforestation of 6 million hectares).
   • FAME Scheme: Promotes electric vehicles; FAME II (ended March 2024) boosted EV adoption (80% of 2023-24 sales), with FAME III anticipated.
   • International Solar Alliance (ISA): Co-founded with France (2015), targets solar energy in 110+ countries; supports India’s 500 GW renewable goal.
   • National Green Hydrogen Mission: Aims for 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030, decarbonizing industries like refineries.
   • Swachh Bharat Mission: Built 100 million rural toilets by 2019, reducing emissions via sanitation; aligns with sustainable habitat goals.
   • UJALA Scheme: Distributed LED bulbs, cutting 105 million tonnes of CO2 annually and saving 129 billion energy units.
6. Progress and Gaps: Achieved 203.18 GW renewable capacity by October 2024 (46% of total), on track for 50% non-fossil target, but coal reliance persists with no phase-out commitment.
7. Economic Survey Insight: The 2024-25 Survey criticized COP29’s finance misalignment, urging India to bridge the trillion-dollar gap through domestic and private funding.
8. Global Pressure: Funding shortfall may force India to scale back ambitions, risking the 1.5°C target, despite its low historical emissions (7% of global CO2 in 2021).

Key Terms:

• COP29: 2024 UN climate conference in Baku, focused on finance commitments.
• NDCs: Voluntary climate action plans under the Paris Agreement.
• Climate Finance: Funds for mitigation/adaptation, pledged by developed nations.
• Paris Agreement: 2015 accord to limit warming to 1.5-2°C above pre-industrial levels.
• BTR: Biennial Transparency Report for emissions tracking.
• Just Transition: Equitable shift to a low-carbon economy.
• UNFCCC: 1992 framework guiding global climate negotiations.

Link To The Original Article – https://indianexpress.com/article/upsc-current-affairs/upsc-essentials/cop29-outcomes-compel-countries-like-india-to-reassess-climate-targets-9892935/