While calling on developed nations to shoulder their historical responsibilities, India continues to lead by example through innovative solutions, international collaborations, and domestic initiatives that inspire global climate action.
Delivering India’s National Statement at the High-Level Segment of the 29th Conference of Parties (CoP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Baku, Azerbaijan, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh emphasized the urgency for collective global efforts to tackle climate change. Calling the conference “historic,” Singh reiterated the need for decisions grounded in the principles of equity, climate justice, and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR-RC).
Singh pointed out that the Global South continues to bear a disproportionate burden of climate action costs, even though it has contributed minimally to the problem. “Despite not contributing significantly to global emissions, we in the Global South are burdened by the twin challenges of financing mitigation efforts and addressing loss and damage caused by climate change,” Singh noted. He added that these challenges severely constrain the developmental aspirations of countries like India.
India’s Leadership in Climate Action
The minister highlighted India’s significant strides in addressing climate change, surpassing its 2015 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) targets well ahead of the 2030 deadline. India has notably reduced its emission intensity and increased its non-fossil-based installed electricity generation capacity. Singh shared that India’s renewable energy capacity has nearly tripled since 2014, setting the nation on course to achieve its ambitious target of 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030.
In addition, Singh spoke about India’s global initiative, Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), which promotes sustainable living practices. “Mission LiFE inspires individuals, communities, and societies to adopt mindful resource utilization and pro-planet behavior,” he said.
Another initiative lauded by the Minister was the ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’ campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on World Environment Day 2024. Through this initiative, over a billion saplings have been planted under the ‘Plant4Mother’ movement, which urges individuals to plant a tree in honor of their mothers and Mother Earth. Singh emphasized the campaign’s emotional and cultural resonance, fostering widespread public engagement.
International Alliances and Global Cooperation
India’s climate leadership extends beyond its borders through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilience Infrastructure (CDRI), and the recently launched Global Biofuel Alliance. Singh underscored that these efforts reflect India’s commitment to advancing global climate action through partnerships.
However, he expressed concern over unilateral measures by some developed nations that complicate climate efforts for developing countries. He stressed that scaling up climate ambitions must be supported by the free flow of green technologies, their production at scale, and financial support for deployment in the Global South.
Singh remarked, “Breaking barriers to the flow of technology, finances, and capacity-building for the Global South is imperative. The theme of this CoP, ‘enabling actions and enhanced ambition,’ highlights the urgent need for equitable and effective climate solutions.”
Call for Climate Finance and Justice
Referring to the New Collective Quantified Goals (NCQG) on Climate Finance, Singh called CoP29 the “CoP for Climate Finance.” He emphasized the need for ambitious and unambiguous decisions that address the evolving priorities of developing nations. “The principle of climate justice must guide our discussions. The NCQG must acknowledge the massive costs imposed on developing countries like India for implementing climate actions,” Singh said.
Singh reminded participants that the forthcoming decade is critical, with an imminent breach of the remaining global carbon budget unless urgent action is taken. He reiterated India’s position that developed countries must lead mitigation efforts, not only by advancing their net-zero targets but also by ensuring sufficient carbon space for developing nations to meet their development goals.
A Collective Responsibility
In closing, Singh urged all nations to work with determination toward meaningful outcomes at CoP29, describing the conference as pivotal for shaping future climate action. “What we decide here will determine the course of history. Let us ensure that CoP29 becomes a milestone in our collective fight against climate change. India remains committed to cooperating fully for a successful and impactful CoP,” Singh concluded.
Singh said that India’s proactive stance at CoP29 underscores its dual commitment to ambitious climate action and sustainable development. He said, while calling on developed nations to shoulder their historical responsibilities, India continues to lead by example through innovative solutions, international collaborations, and domestic initiatives that inspire global climate action.
