COP 28: Fractured World, Fragile Future - New Era for International Cooperation: Can India Bridge the Climate Divide and Orchestrate Action?

Article contributed by Ripu Bhanjan Singh gives an overview of how India can become the architect of a collaborative climate action blueprint—one that inspires the entire world. The author establishes with apt examples how India can realize its potential of being a global leader in mitigating climate change. India’s bold proposal to host COP33 in 2028 isn’t just a promise, it’s a power play. It’s a chance to rebuild trust, not just with the world, but especially with the Global South. This is a monumental opportunity for developing nations to join forces with India and shift the narrative from pledges to tangible results.

- Ripu Bhanjan Singh

COP28 Advancing International Cooperation

The perfect storm surrounding recently concluded COP28 has underscored the paramount significance of international cooperation for several factors. Foremost, Al Jaber’s dual role and his downplaying of fossil fuels’ role in climate change have eroded trust amongst the stakeholders including both state and non-state actors. This fractured landscape makes it harder to forge collective action. To counter this, international cooperation is vital in amplifying scientific consensus, promoting transparency in climate data and reporting, and holding powerful actors accountable for their greenwashing tactics. Secondly, the existing North–South divide in terms of climate responsibility, vulnerability, and financing has been further exacerbated. While the Climate Loss and Damage Fund (LDF) operationalization is a welcoming step, it took 30 years. Parked at the World Bank raises concerns over historic conditionalities and bureaucracy that have plagued the Bank’s efficiency.