Recently at the G20 Climate Meet, India compelled the 20 nations with per capita greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over the global average to reduce their emissions. The proposal is aimed at providing additional ‘carbon space’ for developing nations to aid their growth ambitions. The Climate Meet, presided over by Italy, is viewed as a precursor to the UN Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP 26) slated for November 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland.
G20: A Quick Overview
The G20 is an informal assembly of 19 countries and the European Union, supplemented by members from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. This group includes the globe’s biggest advanced and emerging economies, covering about two-thirds of the world’s population, 85% of the global GDP, 80% of global investment, and more than 75% of global trade. The G20 does not have any permanent secretariat or headquarters.
India’s Stance on Emissions
India highlighted the urgency to reduce absolute emissions drastically while adhering to the Paris Agreement. The agreement focuses on several key aspects. These include acknowledging historical responsibilities, fulfilling promises related to climate finance and technologies at low cost, accounting for per capita emissions and GDP discrepancies, and addressing the unfulfilled agenda for sustainable development.
India also commended some countries’ commitments to achieving net zero GHG emissions or carbon neutrality by or around mid-century. However, India stressed the pressing concern over the rapid depletion of available carbon space.
Understanding Carbon Neutrality and Carbon Space
Carbon neutrality implies a balance between emitting carbon and absorbing it from the environment using carbon sinks. Carbon space refers to the amount of carbon dioxide that can be emitted without causing dangerous or undesired levels of warming.
India’s Emphasis on Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR)
India highlighted the importance of CBDR to combat climate change. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) acknowledges this principle, which recognises the differing abilities and responsibilities of individual countries in addressing climate change.
Urban Climate Action Initiatives by India
India announced its plans for installing 450 GW of renewable energy by 2030 and increasing ambitions in biofuels. It also outlined its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and other initiatives such as Climate Smart Cities Assessment Framework (CSCAF), National Mission on Sustainable Habitat, Climate Practitioners India Network (CPIN) and Nagar Van Scheme.
Global Collaborations led by India
India has spearheaded global collaborations to fight climate change such as the International Solar Alliance and Coalition of Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
Facing the Development-Climate Change Conundrum
The current dilemma is balancing development goals of developing nations like India with decarbonisation. Hence, it is crucial that new investments are directed towards decarbonisation, keeping in mind potential synergies and trade-offs with other objectives.
Climate Change: A Global Collective Problem
The global community should refrain from shifting goalposts and establishing new benchmarks for global climate ambition. There is a need to recognise climate change as a global collective action problem and combat it ‘as per respective capabilities and national circumstances’.
Call for Disaster Preparedness
Although disasters can’t be prevented entirely, well-preparedness and robust climate change mitigation policies can significantly mitigate losses.
Need for Convergent Approach
Sustainable growth is contingent upon timely climate action. Policymaking needs to adopt a convergent approach regarding carbon emissions, atmospheric warming, melting glaciers, extreme floods and storms.