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Contents
- 1 What are some facts related to Global Stocktake (GST)?
- 2 Why is the current set of actions inadequate to limit the global temperature rise within 1.5 degree Celsius from pre-industrial times?
- 3 Why is course correction on climate change difficult?
- 4 Why do GST discussions have fault lines similar to climate negotiations?
- 5 What is the reaction of India to US suggestions on GST?
Source– The post is based on the article “Bonn meeting: Taking stock of climate action” published in the “The Indian Express” on 7th June 2023.
Syllabus: GS 3 – Environment – Climate Change
News– Negotiators from around the world are currently meeting in the German city of Bonn to discuss ways to strengthen their collective response to climate change.
One of the most important tasks to be accomplished at this year’s Bonn meeting is known as Global Stocktake.
It is mandated by the 2015 Paris Agreement. It is aimed at assessing the progress being made in the fight against climate change. It decides the ways and means to enhance the global effort to bridge the adequacy gap.
This exercise is expected to result in a significant increase in the global response to climate change.
The current stocktake has been going on for more than a year now. It is supposed to conclude this year. It is the first such exercise.
Why is the current set of actions inadequate to limit the global temperature rise within 1.5 degree Celsius from pre-industrial times?
The sixth assessment report of the IPCC gives clear indication of it. The world needs to cut its emissions by almost half by 2030 from the 2019 levels if it has to retain any realistic chances of achieving the 1.5 degree target.
At current levels of climate action, the world is headed to a nearly 3 degree Celsius warmer world by 2100.
Why is course correction on climate change difficult?
Under the Paris Agreement, countries are allowed to decide the level of their contribution to the global effort to contain climate change.
But, the collective effort of every country is now proving inadequate. So, some amount of imposition is necessary. No country is comfortable with that.
Why do GST discussions have fault lines similar to climate negotiations?
Rich and developed countries want major emitters like China and India to do more. Developing countries have been reminding the developed countries of their unfulfilled commitments.
The fault lines were evident during the opening meeting of the third and final round of technical discussions on Tuesday.
The United States said bridging the gap was not the sole responsibility of the developed countries. It would not accept such suggestions in the GST decisions.
Developing countries argue that the developed countries were unable to deliver on their commitments. It was the main reason for the climate crisis in recent years.
The United States also said that the next round of climate action plans finalised by countries must have emission reduction contributions from all sectors of the economy.
This again was directed at countries like India. India has not committed to restricting methane emissions from agriculture.
What is the reaction of India to US suggestions on GST?
India reacted strongly to the US suggestion. As per India, it would not accept US messages on GST related to content of a country’s Nationally Determined Contributions.
India said it retained its “sovereign right” to determine its climate targets in pursuit of its national goals. It aligned itself with other developing countries in reiterating the demand for the closing of pre-2020 gaps.
