India Establishes Inter-Ministerial Group for Climate Negotiations
Image Source: The Times of India
In a significant move, India has set up an inter-ministerial group to strategize and provide valuable insights into global climate negotiations. Comprising members from various concerned ministries and departments, this group aims to formulate a comprehensive approach to critical issues discussed in international climate forums.
The Inter-Ministerial Group on Climate Change, formed in August, includes representatives from pivotal ministries such as the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Ministry of Power, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, and the Department of Economic Affairs. Its primary focus is on five key topics: mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage, climate finance, and Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
Mitigation, in the context of climate change, involves efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while adaptation centers on strategies to adjust to the impacts of climate change. Loss and damage refer to the irreversible consequences of climate change that demand attention and assistance. It’s worth noting that the establishment of a Loss and Damage Fund, a milestone reached at COP27 in Egypt’s Sharm El Sheikh, underscores the commitment to support countries most vulnerable to severe climate change impacts.
The upcoming COP28 in Dubai, scheduled for December, will be a pivotal stage for nations to reach a consensus on contributing to and benefiting from the Loss and Damage Fund. India, in its submission to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, has highlighted the importance of considering historical responsibility and ensuring fair compensation for countries staying within their equitable shares in determining eligibility criteria.
The inter-ministerial group is also actively engaging in discussions related to finance, including matters concerning the Standing Committee on Finance (SCF). These discussions encompass the definition of climate finance and the incorporation of private finance in line with Article 2.1(c) of the Paris Agreement, as well as other relevant issues. India’s stance on climate finance emphasizes the necessity of clarity in its definition, a focus on scale, scope, and speed in delivery, and a balance between mitigation and adaptation. It underscores the importance of climate finance being predominantly in the form of grants, rather than loans, and calls for a fair allocation of resources.
Article 2.1(c) of the Paris Agreement addresses the alignment of financial flows with climate action, ensuring that financial support is consistent with the objectives of the agreement. Article 6, on the other hand, enables voluntary cooperation between countries to achieve their emission reduction targets. This cooperation involves the transfer of carbon credits earned through greenhouse gas emissions reduction to assist countries in meeting their climate goals.
India’s proactive engagement in the inter-ministerial group and its emphasis on equity, financial clarity, and cooperative mechanisms reflect the country’s commitment to advancing the global fight against climate change. As nations continue to grapple with the urgent challenges posed by climate change, initiatives like these become crucial in fostering international collaboration and charting a sustainable path forward.
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