We need to underline value of collaboration on climate change

Source: The post “We need to underline the value of collaboration on climate change” has been created, based on “We need to underline the value of collaboration on climate change” published in “Indian Express” on  23rd February 2026.

UPSC Syllabus: GS Paper-3- Environment

Context: Global climate governance is facing serious stress because trust in multilateral institutions is weakening and major economies like the United States have reduced participation in international commitments. This weakens the rule-based global climate architecture under the UNFCCC and makes cooperation even more necessary to address climate change effectively.

Importance of Collaboration on Climate Change

1. Climate Change is a Global Commons Problem

1. Climate change is a transboundary issue because greenhouse gas emissions spread globally regardless of where they originate.
2. No single country can achieve targets like limiting warming to 1.5°C on its own.
3. Therefore, coordinated global action is necessary to prevent carbon leakage and policy inefficiencies.

2. Protecting Vulnerable Populations

1. Collective climate action is important because it protects vulnerable populations such as small island nations, poor communities, and developing countries that are most affected by climate disasters.
2. Climate justice requires shared responsibility so that the costs and benefits of climate action are distributed fairly.

3. Bridging the Climate Finance Gap

1. Climate transition requires massive financial investments that most developing countries cannot mobilise alone. Reports by NITI Aayog show that India needs huge investments to achieve net-zero targets.
2. Therefore, multilateral cooperation is essential for mobilising climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity building.

4. Technology Sharing and Innovation

1. International collaboration accelerates research and development in renewable energy and clean technologies.
2. Joint innovation reduces the cost of green technology and makes it accessible to developing countries. Technology partnerships also help in scaling climate solutions quickly.

5. Maintaining Rule-Based International Order

1. Multilateral agreements create predictable and transparent frameworks for climate action.
2. Bilateral deals based only on national interests can weaken global goals. Cooperation builds trust, accountability, and fairness in climate governance.

Challenges to Multilateral Climate Cooperation

1. Geopolitical Rivalries: Geopolitical rivalries among major powers have led to trade wars and protectionist policies, which weaken trust and reduce willingness to cooperate on climate action.
2. Climate Finance Disputes: There are persistent disagreements between developed and developing countries over climate finance responsibilities, with developing nations demanding greater financial support and technology transfer for their transition efforts.
3. Equity Concerns: Equity concerns arise because developed countries have historically contributed more to global emissions, while developing countries still need policy space for economic growth and poverty reduction.
4. Unilateral Trade Measures: Unilateral trade measures such as carbon border adjustment taxes create friction among countries and may be perceived as disguised protectionism rather than genuine climate action.
5. Implementation Gap: There is a large gap between climate commitments made by countries and their actual implementation, which undermines confidence in global climate agreements under the UNFCCC.

India’s Role in Strengthening Collaboration

1. Advocacy for Equity-Based Framework: India has consistently advocated an equity-based global climate framework that recognises the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.
2. Strong Domestic Renewable Push: India is pursuing ambitious domestic renewable energy targets and promoting initiatives such as solar expansion and green hydrogen to demonstrate leadership in climate action.
3. Promoting Global Dialogue: Platforms organised by The Energy and Resources Institute encourage dialogue between developed and developing countries and help build consensus on climate solutions.
4. Value-Based Leadership: India’s climate diplomacy is grounded in principles like Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which emphasise global cooperation and shared responsibility.

Way Forward

1. Strengthen Multilateral Institutions: Countries should reinforce global climate processes under the UNFCCC and improve compliance mechanisms to ensure accountability.
2. Promote Innovative Climate Finance: Innovative financing instruments such as green bonds, blended finance, and debt-for-climate swaps should be expanded to mobilise large-scale investments for climate transition.
3. Ensure Inclusive Decision-Making: Decision-making processes must include representation from developing nations and local communities so that climate policies address real needs on the ground.
4. Focus on Implementation: Countries should shift attention from prolonged negotiations to effective implementation of agreed climate actions and create joint monitoring frameworks to track progress.
5. Build Trust Among Nations: Trust can be strengthened through transparent reporting, fair sharing of responsibilities, and predictable financial commitments from developed countries.

Conclusion: Collaboration on climate change is essential because climate problems are global in nature and affect the most vulnerable populations first. Collective action helps mobilise finance, technology, and trust while maintaining a rule-based global order. Strengthening multilateralism is therefore necessary for achieving climate goals and ensuring sustainable and equitable development for all.

Question: In the context of weakening multilateralism, underline the value of collaboration on climate change.

Source: Indian Express