World Looks to India as Global Adaptation Leader

The last Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, was disappointing in terms of climate finance and adaptation efforts. All eyes are now on Brazil's COP30 later this year to take on the task of mobilizing climate finance, even as the US exit from the Paris Agreement and extreme weather events loom large. SIMON STIELL, executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), in an exclusive email interview with Puja Das and Shreya Jai, says adaptation will be a focus area for all nations, urges India to accelerate its clean energy efforts, lauds the LIFE (Lifestyle for Environment) mission, and highlights India's potential to be a global example in climate action. Edited excerpts:

- Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary, UNFCCC

How crucial is COP30 in tackling climate change, especially considering the previous COP presidency's failure to mobilize adequate funds for climate finance and 2024's breach of the 1.5°C temperature threshold?

What areas should the Brazilian presidency focus on during COP30?

It's up to the Brazilian presidency to decide what to prioritize. What I can say is that this year, every nation needs to put together a new national climate plan—known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Strong new plans are key to determining how much of the global clean energy boom—worth $2 trillion last year alone—each country can harness for its people and economy. These plans also bring vast benefits, including millions of new jobs, better health outcomes, more affordable and secure energy for all, and faster-rising living standards. I also know our Brazilian colleagues are keen to build on the work they and India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have undertaken during their G20 presidencies to find more and improved climate finance for developing nations, unlocking the trillions needed to ensure all countries share in the immense human and economic benefits of bold climate action.

Is the UNFCCC expected to advocate for adaptation strategies and the financing of these strategies at its next annual global conference?