During COP28, developing countries, including India, urged developed nations to take the lead in climate action 

India stood firm against pressure from developed countries on the issue of fossil fuels during the UN climate conference in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. Speaking at a press conference, he emphasised India’s commitment to meeting its energy needs, stating that the country cannot solely rely on importing oil and gas.

“While we are expanding our renewable capacity, reliance on coal power remains necessary until India achieves the status of a developed nation,” Yadav asserted. India currently relies on coal for approximately 70 percent of its power generation and plans to add 17 gigawatts of coal-based power generation capacity in the next 16 months.

Yadav highlighted India’s resistance to the rich nations’ push for restrictions on new and unabated coal power generation, asserting that such decisions cannot be imposed on any country. Around 40 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions come from coal, with oil and gas contributing to the remainder.

During COP28, developing countries, including India, urged developed nations to take the lead in climate action. Yadav mentioned that the conference in Dubai was extended due to the differing positions on fossil fuels. The outcome of COP28 indicated a “softening” of language regarding developed countries leading the transition away from fossil fuels.

India, which accounts for 17 percent of the global population but only 4 percent of global carbon emissions, emphasised the priority of poverty eradication. Yadav explained that India did not yield to pressure from developed nations to cease using fossil fuels, asserting that efforts to limit temperature rise should consider national circumstances and adhere to principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities.

The minister underscored the need for developed nations, having consumed a significant portion of the carbon budget, to provide financial and technological support to developing countries to combat climate change. He emphasised that each country’s efforts should be considered in light of its historical contributions to emissions.

At COP28, a historic deal on transitioning away from fossil fuels was reached, calling for a tripling of global renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency rates by 2030. India, alongside China, resisted the specific targeting of coal.

Yadav mentioned India’s achievements, including a 33 percent reduction in GDP emission intensity between 2005 and 2019, reaching non-fossil fuel targets nine years ahead of schedule. India also urged rich nations to achieve negative carbon emissions, not just reach net zero by 2050.

In terms of per capita carbon dioxide emissions, India’s increase by around 5 percent in 2022 to two tonnes was noted, still less than half of the global average. The United States led the per capita emissions chart, emitting 14.9 tonnes per individual, followed by Russia, Japan, China and the European Union. Yadav pointed out the historical emissions, emphasising that the US has been the largest emitter since the industrial revolution.

Summing up, India’s stance at COP28 reflected its commitment to balancing its developmental needs with environmental responsibility, resisting external pressures on fossil fuel use and advocating for equitable contributions to combat climate change.

(PTI)