India participated COP29, the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), was held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, 2024.Through various side events, in collaboration with international agencies, India underscored its commitment to addressing climate challenges.
- India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) partnered with the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) to host a panel on integrating disaster-resilient infrastructure into national adaptation strategies.
- India’s approach at COP29 focused on accountability, green credit, fair financing, and achievable climate goals for its developing economy.
Note – The Indian delegation at the COP29 was led by Ministry of State (MoS) for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Kirti Vardhan Singh as Leader of Delegation, Leena Nandan (Secretary) as Deputy Leader of Delegation, Naresh Pal Gangwar (Additional Secretary) as Lead Negotiator; and, Neelesh Sah (Joint Secretary) as Deputy Lead Negotiator.
Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh delivers India’s National Statement:
Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh delivers India’s National Statement at the High-level Segment of the CoP29.
- India’s renewable energy capacity has almost tripled since 2014 and is set to achieve the 500 gigawatts target by 2030.
- The country has already exceeded its 2015 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) targets for reducing emission intensity and expanding non-fossil electricity capacity, with enhanced goals for the future.
- Mission LiFE encourages sustainable lifestyles globally, while the Ek Ped Maa ke Naam campaign has planted one billion saplings.
- India has also launched initiatives like the International Solar Alliance(ISA), Coalition for Disaster Resilience Infrastructure (CDRI), and Global Biofuel Alliance with partner countries for global climate action.
i.Integrating DRI into the Adaptation Strategies:
It was held on 13th November 2024 and organized by MoEFCC and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
- The session discussed about key approaches, challenges, and opportunities for integrating disaster risk reduction (DRI) into national adaptation strategies for more resilient and sustainable development.
- CDRI supports resilience building through initiatives like Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS), the Global Infrastructure Resilience Initiative (GIRI), and targeted efforts for critical infrastructure resilience.
ii.India-Sweden Industry Transition Partnership (ITP):
Union Minister of State(MoS) for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh and Swedish Minister for Climate and Environment, Romina Pourmokhtari, co-chaired the Annual Summit of the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT), held on the sidelines of COP29 to the UN Climate Change Summit.
- The LeadIT Summit brings together the country and company members to discuss low-carbon industrial transition. The objective is to support plans that align heavy industry with the objectives of the Paris Agreement
- The India-Sweden Industry Transition Partnership launched under LeadIT 2.0 at COP 28 in 2023.
iii.Unlocking Investments for SIDS:
This side-event consisted of two segments –
i.The first segment included a keynote address and high-level statements from MoEFCC as well as a conversation/discussion on identified questions with representatives from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and from the Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS) donor group.
ii.The second segment included CDRI’s IRIS initiative as a source for SIDS to access finance, knowledge, tools, and partnerships for resilient infrastructure leading to sustainable development and enhanced liveability for all.
- The meet discussed upon the collective actions and multilateral cooperation to strengthen the enabling environment for disaster and climate resilient infrastructure in SIDS, especially access to climate finance.
- The Indian Ocean islands are part of the Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) initiative.
- Pacific Ocean SIDS are included in the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) for cooperation on renewable energy, disaster management, and climate change.
Energy Transitions for the Global South:
It was held on 19th November 2024 and organized by MoEFCC and International Solar Alliance (ISA).
- The session critically examined solar energy role in addressing the interconnected challenges of energy security and climate change, with a special emphasis on its significance for the Global South.
- The session called for 20 times increment in solar adoption by 2050, aiming to meet over 75% of the world grid energy needs.
LeadIT Summit 2024 of members:
The LeadIT (Leadership Group for Industry Transition) Member Meet was held on 14th November 2024 and organized by MoEFCC and Government o Sweden.
- The purpose of the meeting was to have a discussion with the members to understand their experience with LeadIT so far and how that can be made more efficient.
- Swedish companies are eager to engage in India due to its growth potential and favorable start-up environment.
- Trade with India is growing at 15% every year and the cooperation between countries is expected to bring prosperity to both the countries.
It was conducted on 20th November 2024 and organized by MoEFCC and Government of Sweden.
- The summit was co-chaired by India’s Minister of State for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Kriti Vardhan Singh, and Sweden’s Minister for Climate and the Environment, Romina Pourmokhtari.
- The LeadIT Summit marked the 5th year of the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT).
- LeadIT published its first 5-year report at COP29 showing its work, successes and impacts so far and its remaining challenges in aligning industry with the Paris Agreement.
- A tour de table showed insights from representatives of countries from UK, Netherlands, Germany, Ethiopia, Australia, Japan, Finland and the United States (US), alongside Tata Motors, on industrial low carbon transition strategies and commitments.
Solarizing Communities through Women-led Climate Action:
The event was held on 21st November 2024 and organized by MoEFCC and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), ISA and Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).
- This session intended to bring together leaders from the Global South to present innovative and successful models of women-led climate-friendly and clean energy solutions.
- This session focused upon the need to adopt a more gender-balanced approach in respect to policies, programmes, and global commitments.
India Demands USD 1.3 Trillion Climate Finance
India has urged developed nations to provide at least USD 1.3 trillion annually until 2030 as grants, concessional finance, and non-debt support for developing countries. India also opposes making the COP29 climate finance package an investment goal.
