Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (250 Words 15 Marks)

The 26th COP to UNFCCC, known as COP26, resulted in the Glasgow Climate Pact, emphasizing emissions reductions, financial aid to developing nations, and adaptation measures. India pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, enhance renewable energy capacity, and announced the “Panchamrit” initiative to protect forests and promote sustainable development.

UPSC Mains General Studies Paper – 3 Mains 2021

UPSC Mains Civil Services IAS Exam Question Paper – 2021 

Approach  

• Start with a brief introduction of the UNFCCC to COP  with the references of the 26th session.
• Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
• Mention the commitments made by India in this conference.
• Conclusion accordingly.

Answer  

Introduction   

• The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is the Conference of the Parties (COP) an international treaty established in 1992 with the goal of addressing global climate change.The 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was a crucial event in the global efforts to combat climate change. Held in Glasgow, Scotland in 2021, COP26 aimed to accelerate action on climate change and secure international commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The conference witnessed significant outcomes and commitments from various nations, including India.

Body

The major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference: The 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP26) yielded several significant outcomes in the global efforts to address climate change. Here are the major outcomes:

1. Glasgow Climate Pact: The Glasgow Climate Pact was the centrepiece of COP26 and serves as an international agreement to accelerate action on climate change. The pact includes commitments from nearly 200 countries to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius and pursue efforts to keep it below 1.5 degrees Celsius.
2. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Many countries submitted revised and strengthened NDCs, outlining their targets and actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These enhanced NDCs reflect increased ambition and are essential for achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.
3. Coal Phase-out Commitments: Several countries made commitments to phase out unabated coal power generation, recognizing the need to transition to cleaner energy sources. This includes pledges by major economies such as the United States and the European Union, signalling a significant shift away from coal.
4. Methane Pledge: The Methane Pledge launched by the European Union and the United States aims to reduce global methane emissions by 30% below 2020 levels by 2030. This commitment addresses a potent greenhouse gas and contributes to mitigating climate change.
5. Deforestation and Land Degradation: Over 100 countries endorsed the Leaders’ Pledge for Nature, which includes a commitment to halt and reverse deforestation and land degradation by 2030. This pledge significantly expands on the commitment made by 40 countries as part of the 2014 New York Declaration of Forests, demonstrating a strengthened commitment to protect forests and allocate more resources towards this goal.
6. Adaptation and Resilience: COP26 highlighted the importance of adaptation and resilience measures to address the impacts of climate change. The Adaptation Fund received increased funding, and initiatives were launched to support vulnerable countries in building resilience to climate change effects.
7. Climate Finance: COP26 saw commitments to increase climate finance for developing countries. Developed countries pledged to mobilise $100 billion annually by 2023 to support climate action in developing nations. There were also discussions on long-term finance goals and mechanisms to ensure financial support for climate adaptation and mitigation.
8. One Sun One World One Grid Group (OSOWOG): India and the United Kingdom initiated the OSOWOG, an initiative aimed at harnessing solar energy and facilitating its seamless transmission across borders. The Green Grids Initiative (GGI) formed a group of governments committed to this vision.

India made the ‘Panchamrit’ commitments (five promises) at the CoP 26: India made five significant commitments, known as the ‘Panchamrit’ commitments, at the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP26).The ‘Panchamrit’ commitments are as follows:

1. Net-Zero Emissions by 2070: India pledged to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2070. This commitment signifies India’s long-term goal of transitioning to a carbon-neutral economy, where the balance between emitted greenhouse gases and removed greenhouse gases is achieved.
2. Non-Fossil Energy Capacity: India aims to increase its non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity to 500 gigawatts (GW) by 2030. This commitment underscores India’s ambition to expand its renewable energy infrastructure, including solar, wind, hydro, and other sources, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote clean energy generation.
3. Carbon Intensity Reduction: India pledged to reduce the carbon intensity of its economy by 45% by 2030. This commitment focuses on improving energy efficiency, adopting cleaner technologies, and implementing sustainable practices across various sectors to reduce the carbon emissions associated with economic growth.
4. Renewable Energy Share: India aims to fulfil 50% of its energy requirements from renewable energy sources by 2030. This commitment demonstrates India’s determination to increase the share of renewable energy in its overall energy mix and reduce dependence on fossil fuel-based power generation.
5. Carbon Emissions Reduction: India has committed to reducing one billion tonnes of carbon emissions from its projected emissions by 2030. This commitment signifies India’s intention to implement rigorous mitigation measures and adopt sustainable practices to curb carbon emissions and contribute to global efforts in combating climate change.

Conclusion 

• The 26th session of COP brought significant outcomes in the global fight against climate change. The Glasgow Climate Pact, enhanced NDCs, coal phase-out commitments, and the methane pledge were among the key results. India’s ‘Panchamrit’ commitments, including net-zero emissions, non-fossil energy expansion, carbon intensity reduction, renewable energy promotion, and carbon emissions reduction, highlight India’s strong commitment to climate action. These commitments demonstrate India’s role in tackling climate change and transitioning to a sustainable and low-carbon future.

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