India at COP30: Tackling Climate About Well-being and Development, Not Only Fossils

Belém, Brazil – As the dust settles on the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, India's approach to climate action has come into sharper focus. While the global negotiations saw a mixed bag of outcomes, with a "watered-down resolution that failed to halt deforestation and made no direct mention of fossil fuels," India reaffirmed its commitment to tackling climate change, framing it as an issue of well-being and development, not solely a matter of phasing out fossil fuels.

India's delegation to COP30, led by Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav, emphasized the critical need for climate justice and increased financial assistance from developed nations to the Global South. India stressed that developed countries have a historical responsibility to provide substantial financial support to developing nations to help them achieve their climate goals. Minister Yadav called for a significant increase in public funding for adaptation, suggesting a 15-fold increase to adequately address the risks faced by developing countries. India expressed satisfaction with the establishment of the Just Transition Mechanism, viewing it as a significant step towards realizing equity and climate justice at both global and national levels.

Despite the emphasis on climate finance, experts have noted that India's growing emissions and continued reliance on coal indicate that more could be done on the mitigation front. Some observers believe that India's leadership in mitigation is crucial for the Global South.

One of India's significant announcements at COP30 was the unveiling of its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which outline the country's climate targets through 2035. These NDCs provide a clearer roadmap for emissions reductions, renewable energy expansion, and adaptation measures, potentially attracting international partnerships and investments. Under its previous NDCs, India committed to reducing the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels and ensuring that 50% of its installed electricity capacity comes from non-fossil sources by 2030. India's emission intensity has already declined by more than 36% since 2005, and its non-fossil energy capacity stands at approximately 256 GW, exceeding half of its total installed power capacity.

India has set ambitious renewable energy targets, aiming for 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. This includes a goal of 280 GW of solar power. As of October 2024, India's installed renewable energy capacity was 203.18 GW, representing 46.3% of its total energy capacity. The country is promoting large-scale projects like mega solar parks and decentralized solutions like rooftop solar systems to achieve these targets.

India's focus extends beyond mitigation to include adaptation and resilience, particularly in climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture, water, and forestry. The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) outlines goals such as increasing forest cover to one-third of the country and improving disaster management.

However, India's climate targets and policies have also faced scrutiny. Some assessments suggest that India's current policies are "insufficient" compared to its fair share contribution to limiting warming to 1.5°C. While India has made strides in renewable energy and emissions intensity reduction, achieving deeper emissions cuts and accelerating policy implementation are crucial.

Looking ahead, India's success in tackling climate change hinges on several factors, including mobilizing climate finance, promoting sustainable lifestyles, and fostering international cooperation. India has launched initiatives like the Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) movement to encourage sustainable practices at the individual level. The country is also promoting climate technologies and green jobs through missions like the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

India's long-term strategy includes achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. While this target has been described as "poor", it signals India's commitment to long-term climate action. The country's updated NDCs and its first Biennial Transparency Report, expected in December, will provide further insights into its climate ambitions and progress.

As India moves forward, its approach to climate change will likely continue to emphasize the links between climate action, sustainable development, and the well-being of its citizens.