India Stresses Equity, Climate Justice At COP28: Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav Delivers National Statement

Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav, in his address during the high-level segment of COP28, underscored India's firm belief that equity and climate justice should form the bedrock of global climate action.

Emphasizing the need for developed nations to take the lead in combatting climate change, Yadav presented key achievements and contributions from India in reducing emissions and promoting renewable energy.

This report provides insights into Yadav's statements and India's pivotal role in the ongoing climate negotiations at COP28.

“In our endeavour to decouple economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions, India has successfully reduced the emission intensity vis-a-vis its GDP by 33 per cent between 2005 and 2019, thus achieving the initial NDC target for 2030, 11 years ahead of the scheduled time,” Yadav reportedly asserted.

Global Stocktake and Resource Mobilization

As COP28 unfolds, Yadav expressed anticipation for the outcomes of the Global Stocktake (GST) and underscored the importance of resource mobilization and new collective, quantified goals tailored to the needs of developing countries. The GST involves a two-year review of global efforts to achieve the Paris Agreement goals, particularly limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

 “The resource mobilisation and a new collective quality collective quantified goal must be guided by the needs and requirements of the developing countries. India firmly believes that equity and climate justice must be the basis of global climate action this can be ensured only when the developed countries take the lead in ambitious climate action,” he said.

Operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund

Describing COP28 as a 'COP of action,' Yadav pointed out the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund on the first day of negotiations. He emphasized India's commitment to a sustainable future, citing the successful launch of the Green Credit Initiative on December 1, facilitating the exchange of environmental programs globally. He said,  “India has been at the forefront of supporting action-oriented steps at the global level in response to climate change. The successful operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund is a testament to our commitment to a sustainable future."

Mission LiFE and Revised NDCs

Yadav highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of LiFE, the Lifestyle for Environment initiative, aiming to minimize per capita carbon footprint through mindful utilization. He emphasized India's consistent contributions to climate action, including the revision of NDCs, adding 100 gigawatts of installed electric capacity between 2017 and 2023, with 80% attributed to non-fossil fuel-based resources.  “India revised its NDCs upward, signalling a deepened commitment to enhanced climate action,” he said.

Global Contributions and Future Collaborations

Yadav listed India's global initiatives, such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), LeadIT, Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS), and the launch of the Global Biofuel Alliance at the G20 summit.  

Appealing to the comity of nations to “reaffirm our commitment to work together for the common objective of a greener, cleaner, and healthier planet,” Yadav exhorted, “It is of paramount importance to repose our trust and confidence in the principles and clauses of the convention and its Paris Agreement.”

The annual global climate talks, under the UNFCCC, are scheduled to conclude on December 12.