The UK is hosting the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP 26, from the 31st of October until the 12th of November. This conference is in the spotlight following the recent assessment report on Earth’s climate by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The report has projected potential heat waves, droughts, extreme rainfall and sea-level rise in the upcoming decades.
Key Goals for COP26
The Framework Convention on Climate Change of the United Nations (UNFCCC) states that four primary goals will be addressed by COP26. Firstly, to secure Global Net-Zero by the mid-21st century and maintain a 1.5 Degrees temperature increase within reach. Ambitious emissions reduction targets are sought from the nations for 2030 that can align with achieving net zero by mid-century. To deliver on these ambitious targets:
– Acceleration in phasing out coal
– Curtail deforestation
– Hasten the shift to electric vehicles
– Encourage investments in renewable energy
The second goal is Adaptation to Protect Communities and Natural Habitats. It aims for countries to cooperate in preserving and restoring ecosystems and developing resilient infrastructure and agriculture systems to prevent loss of homes and livelihoods. Thirdly, developed countries must Mobilise Finance, i.e., fulfill their promise to mobilise a minimum of USD100bn per year for climate finance. Lastly, one pivotal task at COP26 is to Work Together to Deliver, which involves finalising the Paris Rulebook. It will help actualize the Paris Agreement.
Suggestions for India
India is advised to update its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), detailing the efforts made to reduce national emissions. Further, sector-by-sector strategic planning is required for development and decarbonisation of sectors like electricity and transport. A rigorous strategy is also needed to transition the coal sector.
About the Conference of Parties (COP)
Established under the UNFCCC in 1994, the COP aims to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations. Being the apex decision-making authority of UNFCCC, it has laid out various responsibilities for member states. These include formulating measures to mitigate climate change, cooperating in preparing for adaptation, and promoting education and awareness related to climate change. The conference has been held every year since 1995 with member countries like India, China, and the USA. The COP presidency rotates among the five United Nations regional groups.
Previous COP and Significant Outcomes
Over the years, numerous COP meetings have had noteworthy outcomes. For example, COP3 in 1997 resulted in the Kyoto Protocol, legally binding developed countries to emission reduction targets. In 2002, COP8 held in New Delhi, India, focused on technological transfer for mitigating climate change and the development needs of the poorest countries. Notably, COP21 was held in Paris in 2015, where countries agreed to keep global temperatures well below a 2.0C increase from pre-industrial times. There have been significant developments and decisions in every COP meeting since, contributing to the global fight against climate change.