The shape of a five-year climate agenda for India

• Source – The Hindu
• Link  –  https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-shape-of-a-five-year-climate-agenda-for-india/article68367705.ece
• Syllabus – GS Paper 02 & 03
• Topic – Environment and Climate change, Governance

What is the issue?

India stands at a pivotal moment in its climate journey, poised to enhance its global leadership in addressing climate change. With a strong foundation of achievements and ambitious targets, India must now build on its progress to solidify its position as a climate action leader on the global stage.

India’s Climate Transformation

1. Past Decade Achievements:
   • Global Leadership:
     • Transitioned from hesitant participant to bold leader in climate discourse.
     • Established influential global institutions:
       • International Solar Alliance.
       • Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
       • Global Biofuels Alliance.
     • Shaped the Green Development Pact during its G-20 presidency.
   • Ambitious Targets:
     • Committed to net-zero emissions by 2070.
     • Set and met milestones for Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).
     • Shifted focus from emission-intensity-based targets to absolute emission reductions.
     • Fostered domestic debate on sustainability involving policymakers and the private sector.
   • Sustainability-linked Economic Policies:
     • Initiated an Indian emissions carbon trading scheme designed to operate for 30-40 years.

What should be India’s Next Five Years: Strategy and Goals

1. ‘Go Higher’ – Enhancing Global Leadership:
   • Hosting International Summits:
     • Potential to host significant climate summits, such as the United Nations Conference of Parties in 2028.
   • Major Commitments in Global Negotiations:
     • Agreement on no new investment in oil and gas after 2030.
     • Significant commitments on adaptation finance for developing countries to tackle climate impacts like heatwaves, storms, floods, and droughts.
   • Consensus Building:
     • Focus on equity in international forums.
     • Create leadership space in global institutions for climate finance.
2. ‘Go Wider’ – Broader Sectoral Targets:
   • Sectoral Emission Reduction Targets:
     • Beyond the power sector, set and communicate targets for other sectors.
     • Focus on zero-carbon two- and four-wheelers in private mobility, benefiting both urban and rural areas.
   • Economic Growth and Jobs:
     • Promote clean energy jobs and economic growth.
   • Next NDC for 2035:
     • Expand energy transition targets to other sectors in the upcoming NDC.
3. ‘Go Deeper’ – Sub-National Climate Action:
   • Sub-National Climate Action and Resilience:
     • Emphasize state-level climate actions and resilience plans.
     • Collaborations with states like Tamil Nadu and Bihar for net-zero transition plans.
   • Integration and Coordination:
     • Create a Centre-State coordination group.
     • Incentivize state-level climate actions through the Sixteenth Finance Commission.
     • Integrate scientific modelling capabilities in policymaking.
     • Establish a unified data measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) architecture at the state level.
     • Ensure coordinated state-level actions while maintaining autonomy, with the Centre as an active facilitator.

India has made significant strides in its climate journey, but to enhance its global leadership, it must aim higher, wider, and deeper in its climate actions. By hosting international summits, setting broader sectoral targets, and emphasizing sub-national climate actions, India can solidify its position as a global leader in climate action. Through these strategies, India can not only meet its climate goals but also contribute significantly to global efforts in combating climate change.