New Delhi: An Inter-Ministerial delegation from India participated in the 28th Session of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 28) held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 30, 2023, to December 13, 2023. The delegation engaged in discussions on critical topics, including the First Global Stocktake, Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), Loss and Damage Fund, Just Transition pathways, Santiago Network for Loss and Damage, and matters related to Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
Key outcomes and discussions from COP 28 include:
- First Global Stocktake (GST): Parties committed to contributing in a nationally determined manner towards transitioning away from fossil fuels, phasing down unabated coal power, achieving net-zero emission energy systems, and tripling renewable energy capacity globally by 2030. The importance of peaking global emissions by 2025 was emphasized, considering sustainable development, poverty eradication, and equity.
- Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA): COP 28 finalized the ‘Emirates Framework for Global Climate Resilience,’ setting global targets in areas such as potable water supply, climate-resilient food and health services, resilient human settlement, and culture. The framework also addresses vulnerability assessment and the establishment of multi-hazard early warning systems.
- Loss and Damage Fund: The decision on operationalizing the new funding arrangements for responding to loss and damage was adopted. The fund, hosted by the World Bank for an initial four-year period, received commitments totaling $792 million from 19 countries.
- Just Transition Work Programme: COP 28 delivered a Just Transition Work Programme, driving ambitious and equitable implementation across various pillars of the Paris Agreement. The program covers energy, socioeconomic, workforce, and other dimensions.
- Santiago Network for Loss and Damage: The consortium of United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) was selected to host the Santiago network secretariat for an initial term of five years.
- Article 6 Decision: Discussions on Article 6 included the development of a UNFCCC web-based platform for non-market approaches. Parties will identify, develop, and implement their non-market approaches once the platform becomes fully operational.
These outcomes reflect India’s active participation and commitment to global climate action, addressing crucial aspects of adaptation, loss and damage, and a just transition. Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, shared this information in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
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