The Union cabinet on Wednesday cleared India’s negotiating stand at the conference on UN Framework Convention on Climate Change to be held in Madrid next week. The country’s stand will be based on principles of UNFCCC and Paris Agreement, said a government release. This conference is important as it will set the tone for countries preparing to move from Kyoto Protocol to Paris Agreement.
The Indian delegation to the conference will be headed by Prakash Javadekar, minister for environment, forests and climate change. The country has played a leadership role on climate issue by taking several steps to address the concerns over climate change, exhibiting its commitment and ambition towards climate action.
The Cop25 UN climate talks were shifted to Madrid after the government of Chile withdrew due to social unrest. The annual UN conference will see thousands of leaders, diplomats, campaigners and business leaders converging in the Spanish capital. Despite the change in venue, Chile will remain president of the COP to be held from December 2 to December 12. The summit will retain its focus on oceans despite the change of venue.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced India’s plan to raise its renewable energy target to 450 GW at the recent Climate Action Summit convened by United Nations Secretary General. Modi also called for responsible action by all nations on the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. CBDR–RC acknowledges the varying capabilities and differing responsibilities of countries in addressing climate change concerns. India is a global leader in its pursuit of enhanced solar energy capacity through International Solar Alliance.
India has launched two new initiatives apart from ISA to mobilise world nations for climate action. It initiated the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure to generate and exchange information on disaster resilient infrastructure as well as the Leadership Group for Industry Transition, launched jointly with Sweden, to provide a platform for governments and private enterprises to work in tandem for low-carbon growth and innovation.
Sajna Nair is a former banker. Her areas of interest are environment, art and culture.