| Topic: GS3 – Environment– Environmental pollution and degradation, Environmental impact assessment.
This topic is not much relevant in the context of Prelims but more for Mains in the context of complexities and challenges surrounding global climate commitments. |
| Context: |
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- Even if all of this year’s commitments are fulfilled, the UN projects a rise in temperature of 2.5 to 2.9 degrees Celsius.
- Given that the world is expected to rise above the 1.5 degree Celsius limit set at COP21 in Paris eight years ago, this presents a serious issue.
- Sharp differences can be seen when per capita emissions from the Rio Earth Summit are analysed.
- Between 1992 and 2019, the average American produced around 700 tonnes of greenhouse gases, which is more than three times the amount produced globally.
- China must deal with growing emissions from ongoing coal-fired power plant building, while the US must surpass its carbon reduction promises in order to reach climate targets.
- With varying degrees of commitment, the G20 countries accounted for 74% of world emissions in 2021.
- Russia hasn’t taken any major steps to reduce emissions, but the EU, Japan, Canada, South Korea, and the UK are actively working to reduce pollution.
- With 19% of GHG emissions coming from Brazil, Indonesia, and India, these countries confront particular difficulties because of their relatively small historical contributions to global warming.
- It is unjust to expect these nations to drastically reduce their use of fossil fuels.
- It is recommended that strong nations set high goals and encourage others to do the same.
- The cost-competitiveness of renewable energy sources is making coal less economically viable.
- The COP28 language, however, highlights natural gas as a vital bridge fuel while ignoring the substantial role that methane—the main ingredient in natural gas plays in the present warming trend.
- India can contribute to the urgent need to reduce methane emissions by using technology advancements and better water management practices.
- India has made a substantial contribution to the development of the climate discourse by highlighting issues of energy availability, equity, and climate justice.
- The nation has met its 2030 targets ahead of schedule and has cut its emission intensity by 33 percent.
- Aligning policy with sustainable development is still difficult, though.
- There is optimism for the future of COP conferences in the form of global financial support, technical improvements, and national moral pressure.
- But even these might not be enough to prevent a global climate catastrophe, which is why international leaders must work towards stronger pledges.
- In order to address the approaching climate problem, states are urged to take meaningful action rather than just symbolic gestures, as the analysis highlights the intricacies and difficulties underlying global climate obligations.
| What are the Key Outcomes of COP 28 (2023)? |
Global Stocktake Text:
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| PYQ: Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2021) |
| Practice Question: Discuss the key challenges and complexities highlighted in the context of India’s stance and global commitments at COP28. (200 words/12.5 m) |
