Opinion

COP27: A glance through India's representation at COP27

COP27 was being held at Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt from November 6 to 18. However, as the curtains come down at COP27, the Conference saw a number of initiatives and stand taken by India. From inaugurating the India Pavillion to the launch of 'In Our LiFEtime' campaign, India voiced its concerns, visions for the future and the present steps it believes in for a sustained and healthy growth.

What happened on the concluding day?

The member countries on the concluding day were still deliberating on a draft agreement that was uploaded to the official COP27 website on Friday afternoon (IST). The 10-page document reaffirmed a commitment to the Paris Agreement of 2015, to ensure that the rise in temperatures does not exceed 2 degree Celsius, and as far as possible, stayed within a 1.5 degree Celsius increase.

Further, the draft text also calls on countries to accelerate clean energy transitions, phase down “unabated” coal use, and phase out “inefficient fuel subsidies.” India is trying to ensure that the text adopted alters ‘phase out’ to ‘phase down’ with regard to the use of coal.

India at COP27

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, representing India has said, "No climate crisis would exist if world’s per capita emissions were at India’s level."

India Pavillion: The Union Minister on the opening day of COP27, on the sidelines, inaugurated the India Pavillion on the theme of LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) which also held discussions on various environmental concerns such as decarbonization, climate resilience and more. The India Pavilion served to remind the delegates that simple lifestyles changes and practices that are sustainable in nature can help protect Planet Earth.

Loss and Damage: India welcomed the adoption of agenda item 'Loss and Damage' at COP27. In UN climate talks, "Loss and Damage" refers to costs already being incurred from climate-fuelled weather extremes or impacts, like rising sea levels.

Clean, Green Energy: India is committed to clean and green energy sources and the National Hydrogen Mission is a leap in that direction. This was highlighted by the Indian Minister at the Middle East Green Initiative Summit 2022 on the sidelines of COP27 in Egypt. To support the statement, India has initiated several measures for promoting resource efficiency and circular economy, including those for prevention and management of waste.

Early Warnings for All: India also extended its support to Secretary General’s agenda to achieve "Early Warnings for All.” India further added that there is an urgent need for the world to acknowledge the cascading natural hazards that cause substantial losses around the world.

Mangrove Alliance for Climate: While addressing the launch of Mangrove Alliance for Climate on the sideline of COP27, India stated that to sustain the blue economy, it is imperative to ensure sustainability of coastal habitats, particularly mangroves for tropical nations, at the local, regional, and international levels. It also emphasised that the integration of mangroves into the national REDD+ programs is the need of the hour.

In this regard, India can contribute to the global knowledge base due to its extensive experience in mangrove restoration, studies on ecosystem valuation and carbon sequestration.

Climate Finance: India has once again stood up for climate finance. Additionally, it also raised the matter of infrastructure resilience. It urged the developed nations to take steps towards climate financing as mitigation remains the focus for addressing climate issues.

LT-LEDS: India also released its 'Long-term Strategy for Low-Carbon Development’. These strategies are focused towards reducing carbon dioxide production and adopting sustainable green measures.

In Our LiFEtime: India also launched its "In Our LiFEtime" campaign that aimed at engaging and encouraging youths between the age of 18 to 23 to inculcate sustainable and mindful life choices to reduce impact on environment and nurtures the spirit of Pro People Planet.

India has once again, on the global platform, put forward its seriousness towards a green world, and one that is not just development oriented but also thinks of the planet and the people.

 

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