COP29: Bridging the climate divide – India’s call for equity, finance, and leadership

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Synopsis At COP29, India has emerged as a vocal advocate for climate equity, emphasizing the disproportionate burden borne by developing nations in combating climate change. Citing the unmet $100 billion annual climate finance pledge, India has urged developed countries to lead by fulfilling their commitments and providing transparent financial and technological support. Stressing 'common but differentiated responsibilities,' India has pushed for fairness and accountability, highlighting its progress in renewable energy and emissions reductions despite limited external assistance. The conference remains deadlocked on critical issues, reflecting a widening divide between developed and developing nations. India’s stance underscores the urgency of bridging this gap to meet global climate goals and protect vulnerable populations from escalating climate impacts.

As the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) progresses, a familiar tension permeates the negotiations: the struggle to reconcile ambitious global climate targets with equitable implementation. India has taken a central role in highlighting the growing chasm between the commitments of developed nations and the expectations of the Global South.

At the heart of India’s message is a demand for fairness, financial support, and accountability in addressing the climate crisis.

Demand for equity: The heart of India’s climate strategy

India's delegation has reiterated that tackling climate change requires addressing the disproportionate burden carried by developing countries. These nations are often the most vulnerable to climate impacts but the least responsible for historical emissions. India has called for a reassessment of global efforts through the lens of equity, urging developed nations to lead by example.

Citing the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities,” India has emphasized that developed countries must shoulder greater responsibilities in providing financial and technological support. The unmet $100 billion annual climate finance pledge, first promised over a decade ago, remains a key stumbling block. This shortfall has stymied the efforts of developing nations to transition toward sustainable economies and implement adaptation measures.

‘You First’: A bold stance

UN Climate Change Chief Simon Stiell has echoed India’s frustrations, cautioning developed nations against pushing for ambitious targets without first fulfilling their own obligations. Stiell’s comments align with India’s stance that leadership must come from those with the greatest historical responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions.

India has underscored the need for tangible progress on climate finance and technology transfer. "Words without action," Indian representatives noted, "cannot solve a crisis that requires shared responsibility and genuine commitment."

A deadlock on key issues

The first week of COP29 ended in a deadlock as sharp divisions emerged between developed and developing nations over key climate policies. India has criticized the slow progress, describing the negotiations as hamstrung by the reluctance of wealthier countries to make meaningful concessions.

At the core of this stalemate is the widening gap in financial flows. While developed countries have benefited from decades of industrialization, many developing nations continue to grapple with poverty and limited resources, exacerbating their vulnerability to climate impacts.

The debate has also extended to the technicalities of climate finance. India and other nations have raised concerns over the lack of transparency and accessibility in funding mechanisms. Complex bureaucracy often prevents smaller economies from benefiting from promised support, further deepening inequalities.

India’s four pillars of climate action

India’s COP29 strategy focuses on four critical priorities: advocating for equity and fairness by ensuring an equitable distribution of climate responsibilities and resources; emphasizing the importance of climate finance, with a call for developed nations to fulfil their financial commitments to support vulnerable economies; strengthening adaptation and resilience by building robust systems to protect populations most at risk from climate impacts; and facilitating technology transfer to provide developing nations with access to affordable and sustainable green technologies. These pillars reflect India’s domestic climate policies, which include ambitious renewable energy targets and a commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. India has already achieved a 24% reduction in emissions intensity between 2005 and 2021, showcasing its commitment to sustainable development.

Contemporary context: The global divide

India’s demands resonate with broader frustrations among developing nations. Recent reports estimate that developing countries require at least $4.3 trillion annually to meet climate goals—a figure that dwarfs current financial flows.

Meanwhile, developed nations have faced criticism for focusing on domestic goals while neglecting international commitments. Some Western countries argue that their resources are stretched thin by competing priorities, such as energy transitions within their borders. However, critics argue that this stance overlooks the moral and historical obligations of wealthier nations to lead the global effort.

Counterarguments also suggest that developing nations must improve transparency and governance in utilizing climate funds. Instances of mismanagement or inefficient allocation have occasionally fuelled scepticism among donor countries.

The stakes at COP29

The stakes at COP29 are monumental, underscored by compelling statistical data that highlights the urgency of global action. In 2022 alone, climate-related disasters inflicted economic losses amounting to$313 billion, with developing nations disproportionately affected. Meanwhile,the global average temperature is projected to rise by 2.7°C above pre-industrial levels, far surpassing the 1.5°C target set by the ParisAgreement. Amid these challenges, India has demonstrated its commitment to sustainable development, with its renewable energy capacity surging to over 175 GW, despite limited external support. The outcomes of COP29 will be pivotal; a failure to reach a consensus could derail the goals of the Paris Agreement and erode trust among nations. Conversely, success will depend on developed countries turning their promises into tangible actions.

A call to action

India’s proactive role at COP29 has amplified the voices of the Global South, emphasizing the need for collective action and accountability. As negotiations enter their critical final stages, the world watches closely to see if the climate divide can be bridged.

The outcomes of COP29 will not only shape the future of global climate policy but also determine the fate of millions who stand on the frontlines of climate change. India’s message is clear: achieving climate justice requires fairness, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to shared responsibility.

A look back at COP28

COP28, held from November 30 to December 12, 2023, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, marked a critical milestone in the global climate agenda. The conference was hosted by the UAE, one of the world's major oil producers, which underscored the complexities of balancing fossil fuel interests with urgent climate action. The event attracted widespread attention, not only for its setting but also for its outcomes, which laid the groundwork for discussions at COP29.

One of the key achievements of COP28 was the Global Stocktake — the first comprehensive assessment of progress since the Paris Agreement. The report revealed that the world was still far off track to meet the 1.5°C target, emphasizing the need for accelerated action. Additionally, COP28 saw an increased focus on renewable energy, with nations agreeing to triple global renewable capacity by 2030. However, the conference was not without controversy; debates over fossil fuel phaseouts remained unresolved, with resistance from some oil-producing nations.

Despite the challenges, COP28 succeeded in spotlighting critical issues, such as loss and damage funding. A new loss and damage fund was formally operationalized, marking a historic step in addressing the needs of vulnerable nations grappling with the consequences of climate change. This initiative set the stage for COP29, where the focus shifted to translating pledges into actionable strategies, a task that remains crucial for bridging the global climate divide.

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