India Emphasises Adaptation at COP30 Climate Summit

India opened its statement at COP30 in Belem, Brazil, stressing the importance of adaptation in climate action. The conference marks the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement. India insisted that the fundamental principles of the Agreement, especially the common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR), remain intact. This principle ensures all countries reduce emissions but allows developing nations to prioritise economic growth.

India’s Position on Climate Finance

India brought into light the shortfall in promised climate finance from developed countries. The original demand was $1.35 trillion annually by 2035, but only $300 billion has been pledged. This gap is seen as a breach of commitments. India and other developing nations argue that adequate funding is essential for coping with climate disasters and shifting away from fossil fuels.

Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR)

CBDR is a core element of the UN climate framework. It recognises that developed and developing countries have different capabilities and responsibilities. India, supported by the Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDC) group, urged that CBDR must not be altered or sidelined. They view it as a mainstay for fair climate action and global cooperation.

Role of Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDC)

LMDC represents nearly half of the global population. Its members include India, China, Pakistan, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Cuba, and Egypt. The group advocates for climate justice and equitable treatment in negotiations. India’s delegation called for prioritising adaptation and urged the COP30 presidency to encourage submission of National Adaptation Plans aligned with national priorities.

India’s National Adaptation and Emission Plans

India has yet to submit its updated National Adaptation Plan and Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the UN. These documents outline India’s strategies to reduce fossil fuel emissions by 2035 and to adapt to climate impacts. India emphasises that implementation barriers must be addressed without blame but with concrete support.

Calls for Developed Countries’ Accountability

India, along with BASIC countries (Brazil, China, South Africa), called on developed nations to achieve net-zero emissions earlier than planned. They urged greater investments in negative emission technologies. The LMDC sought to place developed country responsibilities on the COP30 agenda but consensus led to this issue being assigned to a separate negotiating track.

Adaptation as a Priority at COP30

India’s delegation described adaptation as a critical issue for developing countries. They stressed the need for international cooperation to support vulnerable nations. The call was for a renewed focus on adaptation finance and technical assistance to implement effective adaptation strategies globally.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Point out the significance of the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) in international climate agreements and its impact on developing countries.
2. Critically analyse the role of climate finance in global climate negotiations and estimate the challenges faced by developing countries in accessing such funds.
3. Underline the importance of National Adaptation Plans in climate resilience and explain how they contribute to sustainable development goals.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the implications of delayed net-zero commitments by developed countries on global climate action and developing nations’ economic priorities.

Answer Hints:

1. Point out the significance of the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) in international climate agreements and its impact on developing countries.

1. CBDR recognises varying historical emissions and capabilities between developed and developing countries.
2. It ensures developing nations can prioritise economic growth while contributing to emission reductions.
3. CBDR forms the foundation of the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement frameworks.
4. It promotes equity by assigning greater responsibility to developed countries for climate action and finance.
5. Developing countries rely on CBDR to argue against uniform emission targets that could hinder their development.
6. Maintaining CBDR prevents sidelining of developing nations’ interests in global climate policies.

2. Critically analyse the role of climate finance in global climate negotiations and estimate the challenges faced by developing countries in accessing such funds.

1. Climate finance supports mitigation, adaptation, and transition from fossil fuels in vulnerable nations.
2. Developed countries pledged $1.35 trillion annually by 2035, but only $300 billion has been mobilised.
3. Insufficient funds undermine developing countries’ ability to cope with climate disasters and implement green technologies.
4. Access barriers include complex application processes, conditionalities, and inadequate institutional capacity.
5. Delayed or reduced finance commitments erode trust and stall global climate cooperation.
6. Developing countries demand predictable, adequate, and accessible finance aligned with national priorities.

3. Underline the importance of National Adaptation Plans in climate resilience and explain how they contribute to sustainable development goals.

1. National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) identify country-specific climate risks and adaptation strategies.
2. NAPs integrate climate resilience into national development planning and policy frameworks.
3. They enable prioritisation of resources for vulnerable sectors like agriculture, water, and health.
4. NAPs facilitate access to international adaptation finance and technical support.
5. By enhancing resilience, NAPs contribute directly to SDGs on poverty reduction, food security, and climate action.
6. Timely submission and implementation of NAPs strengthen countries’ adaptive capacity and sustainable growth.

4. With suitable examples, discuss the implications of delayed net-zero commitments by developed countries on global climate action and developing nations’ economic priorities.

1. Delayed net-zero targets by developed countries increase cumulative global emissions, worsening climate impacts.
2. Developing countries face greater adaptation costs and climate risks due to prolonged high emissions.
3. Example – Developed nations’ slow progress undermines global trust and weakens collective ambition.
4. Delayed action pressures developing countries to balance emission reductions with urgent economic growth needs.
5. It limits availability of finance and technology transfer needed for clean development pathways.
6. Accelerated net-zero by developed countries is crucial to equitable burden-sharing and global climate stability.