COP28 Chronicles India's Ambitious Climate Agenda for a Sustainable Future

In this article, Amit Patjoshi asserts that India has made commendable strides towards its climate goals, actively participating in initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and the Green Hydrogen Mission. These endeavours underscore a robust commitment to cleaner and renewable energy sources. By fostering a sustainable ecosystem, the Government of India is not only benefiting the nation but also making a substantial contribution to global climate efforts. The author applauds India's unwavering commitment, setting a positive example for the world in the pursuit of a greener future.

- Amit Patjoshi

India’s Commitment to Global Climate Action

India has been committed to the global fight against climate change since it became an international concern, actively engaging in multinational negotiations under the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Since joining the UNFCCC in 1993, India has proactively upheld its commitments to multilateralism by ratifying the groundbreaking Kyoto Protocol in 1992 and the landmark Paris Agreement of 2015. The country has prioritized the UNFCCC processes, declaring Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and fulfilling reporting obligations under the Paris Agreement. This includes submitting its National Communications (NATCOM), Biennial Update Reports (BUR), and Long-term Low-Carbon Strategy. Recognizing that addressing the climate change problem requires global cooperation and observing a 1-degree rise in global temperatures today with minimal responsibility, India has taken independent yet enhanced actions to decouple its economic growth from greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

As per the recent Biennial Update Report of 2021, India is among the few countries already on track to overachieve the ‘2°C compatible’ NDC targets set as part of the Paris Agreement, with its GDP emission intensity reduced by 24 per cent from 2005 to 2016. During COP26 (2021) in Glasgow, Scotland, India announced its updated NDC or climate pledges for 2030, further strengthening its commitment to addressing the climate conundrum.