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Rich countries must pay more for plans to limit and deal with climate change
Context:
- The recent 23rd conference of the UN Framework Convention on Climate change in Bonn reveals the fact that developing countries including India are focusing on the imperatives of ensuring adequate financing for mitigation and adaptation.
What has been India’s contribution so far?
- India’s progress in reducing the intensity of its greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GDP by 20-25% from 2005 levels by 2020 has been positive.
- Early studies also suggest that it is on track to achieve the national pledge under the 2015 Paris Agreement.
- Since this performance is predicated on a growth rate of just over 7%, and the parallel target for 40% share of renewable energy by that year, the national road map is clear.
- The country has also chalked out an ambitious policy on renewable energy, hoping to generate 175 gigawatts of power from green sources by 2022.
What are the challenges for India?
- India is concerned about the impact of extreme weather events such as droughts and floods that would have a bearing on economic growth.
- It is in this context that the rich countries must give up their rigid approach towards the demands of low and middle income countries, and come to an early resolution on the question of financing of mitigation, adaptation and compensation.
- India importantly retains the right to meet its energy access needs and energy for development through fossil fuel use, particularly coal, if needed.
- The Paris Agreement does not constrain this approach, which is based on Indian interests.
A new Transport Decarbonisation Alliance declared at the Bonn conference:
- At the Bonn conference, a new Transport Decarbonisation Alliance has been declared.
- It is aimed at achieving a shift to sustainable fuels, getting cities to commit to eco-friendly mobility and delivering more walkable communities, all of which will improve the quality of urban life.
Benefits of Transport Decarbonisation Alliance:
- Such measures will have a beneficial effect not just on transport choices, but on public health through pollution abatement.
- A national law to raise the efficiency of transport could well be the answer, which the States will readily adopt if supportive financial arrangements are built in.
- This presents a good template for India, building on its existing plans to introduce electric mobility through buses first, and cars by 2030.
