29th BASIC ministerial meet on climate change was held in Beijing, China

The 29th BASIC ministerial meet on climate change was held from October 25th-26th 2019 in Beijing, China. Members of the BASIC countries (Brazil, South Africa, India, China) participated in the event. In the Indian side, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Shri Prakash Javadekar participated in the event. India’s offer to host the 30th BASIC ministerial meeting was welcomed.

Key highlights during the meet:

• The BASIC country members addressed the key challenges on climate change and were ready to foster climate resilience and promote greenhouse gas emissions reduction, low-carbon and sustainable development, especially through Green Climate Fund (GCF) from Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) transactions under Article 6 of the Paris agreement to fund adaptation in developing countries for the global community wellbeing. Ministers highlighted that all parties should abide by the United Nations(UN) for its common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR-RC).
• The implementation of the Paris Agreement, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its Kyoto Protocol (protocol on mandatory limits on greenhouse gas emissions) were discussed. Ministers also welcomed the 134 ratifications, to date, of the Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol (2012). The Doha amendment refers to the changes made to the Kyoto Protocol in 2012.
• Polish Presidency’s contribution to the conclusion of the bulk of the Paris Agreement Work Programme (PAWP) and the Costa Rica for a host of Pre-COP25 (Conference of the Parties) to promote political dialogue on specific issues was appreciated.
• Parties that have not ratified Doha Amendment were asked to do so before the COP25, i.e., The 2019 United Nations Climate Change Conference to be held in Santiago, Chile from December 2–13, 2019.
• $100Billion by 2020: Developed countries were urged to fulfill their climate finance commitments of providing USD 100 billion annually by 2020 for developing countries in a transparent and grant-based manner.
• The review of the Warsaw International Mechanism(WIM) for loss and damage associated with Climate Change Impacts based on the mandates, were welcomed.
• 10th BASIC anniversary: 10th anniversary of the BASIC Group was hailed and the ministers agreed to strengthen the solidarity and cooperation among BASIC countries. They also reiterated their unequivocal support to the State of Palestine, as the Chair of the Group of 77(coalition of 134 developing nations, to promote its members’ collective economic interests and create an enhanced joint negotiating capacity in the UN).

Countries’ action against climate change by member countries: 

• India and Brazil: India has already achieved a 21% reduction in emissions intensity of GDP in 2014 when compared with its 2005 levels, while Brazil reduced emission by 58% for its NAMAs (action that reduces emissions in developing countries under govt. initiative) and has also overachieved its target of 36%- 39% reductions which is set for 2020.
• China: In 2018, China reduced carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions per unit of Gross Domestic Product(GDP) by 45.8% from the 2005 level. The share of non-fossil fuels in primary energy consumption share has also increased to 14.3%.
• South Africa: South Africa implemented carbon tax and has introduced renewable energy programme. 

Participants: 

• Chair of the meeting:  The meeting was chaired by Mr. LI Ganjie, Minister of Ecology and Environment of the People’s Republic of China, and was attended by Mr. XIE Zhenhua, Special Representative for Climate Change Affairs of China.
• Mr. Roberto Castelo Branco, National Secretary for International Relations, Ministry of the Environment of Brazil, and Mr. Maesela Kekana, Chief Director of International Climate Change Relations and Negotiations of the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries of the Republic of South Africa were the other participants.
• Mr.Ammar Hijazi, Ambassador of the state of Palestine, on behalf of the Chair of the Group of 77 and China, and Mr. Mauricio Carabelli of Chile, on behalf of the incoming Presidency of COP25 attended the meeting as guests.

About Paris Agreement

• It is an agreement within the UNFCCC, dealing with greenhouse-gas-emissions mitigation, adaptation, and finance.
• Signed year- 22 April 2016.
• Effective year- 4 November 2016.
• Location- New York City, United States(US).