India Calls for Climate Justice at COP29, Urges Developed Nations to Lead in Mitigation Efforts
By CCN News | Published: Nov 19, 2024
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At the High-Level Segment of the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku today, India’s Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh, urged nations to take bold, collective action against climate change, emphasizing the importance of equity and climate justice for the Global South. Speaking before world leaders and climate negotiators, Singh stressed that the outcomes of this conference would be pivotal in addressing the challenges faced by developing countries in mitigating and adapting to climate change.
“This COP is historic. What we decide here will empower nations, especially in the Global South, to take ambitious mitigation actions while addressing the pressing need for adaptation to climate change,” Singh said in his address. He highlighted that the decisions made at COP29 must reflect the principles of equity, climate justice, and the "common but differentiated responsibilities" outlined in the Paris Agreement.
Global South Faces Financial Burden of Climate Actions
Singh highlighted the disproportionate burden placed on developing countries like India, which, despite contributing the least to global carbon emissions, are bearing the brunt of climate impacts. He pointed out that while India has committed to ambitious climate actions, including meeting its 2030 emissions targets ahead of schedule, it continues to face significant financial challenges in financing mitigation and adaptation efforts.
"Developing countries like India are facing huge financial burdens due to climate actions, as well as the losses and damages caused by climate change. These challenges severely limit our capacity to meet our developmental needs,” Singh noted, urging developed nations to provide the necessary financial support and technology transfer to help the Global South mitigate the impacts of climate change. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that these nations have the “carbon space” needed to grow economically without compromising their environmental goals.
Singh also underscored India's ambitious climate initiatives, including its renewable energy push. India’s renewable energy capacity has nearly tripled since 2014, and the country is on track to meet its target of 500 gigawatts (GW) of non-fossil-based electricity generation by 2030. Singh also referenced India’s “Mission LiFE” (Lifestyle for Environment) campaign, which promotes sustainable living practices, and the successful “Ek Ped Maa ke Naam” tree-planting initiative, which has already resulted in the planting of one billion saplings.
India Calls for Enhanced Climate Finance and Technology Transfer
A key focus of Singh’s address was the urgent need for developed countries to lead in both climate mitigation and the provision of financial and technological resources to developing nations. He expressed concern over unilateral climate measures by some developed countries, which make it harder for the Global South to access the green technologies and financial resources necessary for climate action.
"The emergent situation demands breaking down barriers to the flow of technology, finance, and capacity to developing countries," he said. "The theme of COP29 — 'Enabling Actions and Enhanced Ambition' — is critical in this context. We must focus on climate finance and ensuring that the New Collective Quantified Goals (NCQG) are fully realized to meet the needs and priorities of developing countries."
Singh further called on developed nations to demonstrate leadership by not only advancing their net-zero targets but also ensuring that developing countries are provided with the space to grow sustainably. He urged a spirit of cooperation and ambition at COP29 to create meaningful, impactful outcomes that would help address the growing climate crisis.
"We must make COP29 a turning point in our collective fight against climate change," Singh concluded. "India remains committed to full cooperation for a successful and impactful COP29."
As the world prepares for the next round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submissions in 2025, Singh reiterated the need for fair and just climate policies that ensure developing countries have the space and support to meet both their developmental and environmental goals.
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