Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), held in Glasgow in November 2021, was a crucial moment in global climate action. India, as a major developing economy and significant emitter, played a pivotal role in the negotiations. Recognizing its unique vulnerabilities and developmental needs, India presented a set of five key proposals aimed at enhancing ambition and ensuring equity in the global climate response. These proposals reflected India’s commitment to climate action while safeguarding its developmental priorities.
India’s Proposals at COP26
1. Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) Movement: India announced the ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ (LiFE) movement, a global initiative to promote environmentally sustainable lifestyles. This proposal emphasizes individual and collective actions to reduce carbon footprints and encourages mindful consumption patterns. It moves beyond purely technological solutions and focuses on behavioral changes, recognizing that sustainable development requires a shift in societal norms and values.
2. Raising Global Climate Finance: India strongly advocated for developed countries to fulfill their commitment to mobilize $100 billion per year in climate finance for developing nations. India highlighted the significant gap between the promised finance and the actual delivery, emphasizing that adequate financial resources are crucial for enabling developing countries to implement their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and adapt to the impacts of climate change. India also called for a clear roadmap for scaling up climate finance beyond 2025.
3. Equity and Climate Justice: India reiterated the principle of ‘Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities’ (CBDR-RC), emphasizing that developed countries bear a greater responsibility for historical emissions and should take the lead in reducing emissions. India stressed the need for climate justice, ensuring that the burden of climate action is shared equitably and that developing countries are not penalized for their legitimate development aspirations.
4. Net Zero Target and Five-Pillar Approach: India announced its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. Alongside this, India outlined a five-pillar approach to achieve this goal: (i) efficient use of energy across all sectors; (ii) increasing the use of renewable energy; (iii) developing carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) capacity; (iv) enhancing forest cover and biodiversity; and (v) investing in hydrogen production and green technologies. This demonstrates a comprehensive strategy for decarbonizing the Indian economy.
5. One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG): India proposed the ‘One Sun One World One Grid’ initiative, a global grid for transferring solar power. This ambitious project aims to harness the abundant solar energy available in some parts of the world and distribute it to other regions, ensuring access to clean and affordable energy. OSOWOG envisions a global interconnected grid that can enhance energy security and promote sustainable development.
Conclusion
India’s proposals at COP26 underscored its commitment to climate action while advocating for equity and climate justice. The emphasis on LiFE, increased climate finance, and a pragmatic net-zero target reflects a balanced approach. Successful implementation of these proposals, coupled with global cooperation, is crucial for achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement and building a sustainable future for all. Continued diplomatic efforts and technological advancements will be key to realizing India’s vision for a climate-resilient world.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.