4 December 2024 : The Hindu Editorial Analysis

1. Reflections on Baku’s ‘NCQG outcome’

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)

Topic: GS2 – International Relations – Agreements involving India or affecting India’s interests.

Context

The article highlights the critical need for urgent climate action to limit global warming to 1.5°C, with a focus on equitable climate finance. COP29 discussions centered on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) but delivered inadequate commitments, falling short of developing nations’ expectations. This underscores the persistent challenges in achieving climate justice.

Urgency of Climate Action and COP29

• The IPCC has called for stronger commitments to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
• Current policies, if continued, could result in a temperature rise of up to 3.1°C, intensifying climate impacts worldwide.
• COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan (November 2024), branded as the “Finance COP,” focused on climate finance discussions, particularly the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG).

Importance of Climate Finance for Developing Nations

• High Upfront Costs: Transitioning to renewable energy often requires significant initial investments despite long-term benefits like reduced fuel and operational costs.
• Technological Risks: Many green technologies are still evolving, creating risks that need to be borne by early adopters.
• Limited Government Resources: Developing countries face financial constraints, with priorities directed toward developmental activities, necessitating external financial support.

India’s Green Energy Initiatives

India allocated ₹19,100 crore to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in the 2024-25 Budget, the highest ever for the ministry. A subsidy of ₹5,790 crore under phase-II of the FAME scheme supports electric vehicle manufacturers. Additionally, ₹40 crore has been earmarked for energy efficiency initiatives to promote clean fuel and technology innovation.

Challenges in Climate Finance Access

• Debt Burdens: Developing nations prefer grants over loans to avoid exacerbating fiscal debt challenges.
• High Lending Costs: Developing countries face disproportionately higher borrowing costs, limiting their ability to mobilize private capital for climate action.
• OECD Bias: Financial flows are predominantly directed toward developed countries, restricting affordable financing for developing nations.

Role and Goals of NCQG

• The NCQG was established as part of the Cancun commitment (2010) to provide $100 billion annually by 2020 and was later reinforced at COP21 in Paris.
• Its purpose is to provide clear, quantified climate finance objectives with transparency and accountability.
• A UNFCCC report estimates that $5-7 trillion is required globally by 2030, with developing nations requesting $1.3 trillion annually to meet their climate finance needs.

Disappointing Outcome of NCQG at COP29

• Developed countries pledged $300 billion annually until 2035, far short of the $1.3 trillion requested by developing nations.
• The commitment primarily relies on mobilizing funds from all financial sources, including private capital.
• While the decision to triple public resource flows through mechanisms like the Adaptation Fund by 2035 is positive, progress may be too slow to address the urgency of climate action.

Finance as a Barrier to Climate Justice

• The NCQG outcome reflects inadequate ambition and undermines the principles of equitable burden-sharing and climate justice.
• It fails to address the financial needs of the Global South, essential for achieving transformative climate action.

The Way Forward

• The international community must continue climate finance discussions, emphasizing cooperation for global good.
• Principles of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) must guide equitable transitions.
• Developing nations must unite to demand just and fair financial support to ensure a sustainable future for all.

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 significance of equitable climate finance in addressing the challenges of global warming. Critically analyze the outcomes of COP29 in the context of climate justice and the needs of developing nations. (250 Words /15 marks)

2. Extreme weather events will increase in frequency in the coming years

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)

Topic: GS1 – Geography –  Climate Change

Context

The article highlights the devastating impact of Cyclone Fengal and heavy rainfall on the southern peninsula, emphasizing the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. The damage to lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure underscores the urgent need for long-term disaster mitigation measures. Effective planning and proactive strategies are crucial for climate resilience.

Cyclone Fengal

The southern peninsula experienced unusually heavy rainfall due to Cyclone Fengal, which crossed the coast near Puducherry. The cyclone caused devastation in parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, resulting in significant loss of life and property. Over 15 million individuals were affected, with 16 deaths reported, including seven due to a landslip. Rainfall measuring 40-50 cm was recorded in many places within a single day, leading to widespread flooding. Farmlands covering over 2.21 lakh hectares, including 10,000 hectares in Puducherry, were submerged, causing severe agricultural damage. The South Pennai river, usually dry, witnessed a flood flow of 2.4 lakh cusecs, worsening the impact.

Response and Assistance Required

• The affected states have sought immediate financial assistance from the central government to aid relief and rehabilitation efforts.
• Financial support has also been announced at the local level to address immediate needs, but additional funds are critical for long-term recovery.

Rising Frequency of Extreme Weather Events In India

• With increasing instances of very high rainfall, authorities must prepare for extreme weather events more effectively.
• The India Meteorological Department notes that, on average, four cyclonic systems or depressions affect the southern peninsula each northeast monsoon season.
• The rising unpredictability of such events necessitates proactive and sustainable disaster management strategies.

Need for Long-Term Measures

• Authorities need to move beyond routine relief efforts and focus on concrete, long-term solutions for disaster management and mitigation.
• Key measures include strengthening bunds, regularly removing silt from watercourses, and taking strict action against encroachment on water bodies.
• Comprehensive flood risk assessments and the implementation of mitigation strategies across urban and rural areas are essential.

Call for Holistic Planning

• Effective irrigation and water management systems must be modernized to address the challenges posed by climate change and urbanization.
• Transparent dissemination of flood risk management strategies and actionable recommendations is necessary to ensure preparedness and resilience.
• Long-term measures addressing both natural and human-induced vulnerabilities will minimize the recurring damage from cyclones and heavy rains.

PYQ: Tropical cyclones are largely confined to the South China Sea, Bay of Bengal and Gulf of Mexico. Why? (150 words/10m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-1 2014

Practice Question:  Discuss the challenges posed by the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in India. Highlight the importance of long-term disaster mitigation strategies to minimize their socio-economic impact. (150 Words /10 marks)