COP-26: PM Modi to participate in high-level segment with 120 heads of states

Vibha Sharma
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, October 29

Technology transfer and climate finance—the two factors essential for a “level playing field between developed and developing countries”—will form the basis of India’s pitch at the Glasgow-COP 26 that begins October 31.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will participate in the high-level segment of COP-26 titled ‘World Leaders’ Summit (WLS) along with 120 heads of states/governments from around the world on November 1-2, said he will highlight the need to comprehensively address climate change issues, which include equitable distribution of carbon space, mobilisation of finance and technology transfer.

“I will also highlight the need to comprehensively address climate change issues including equitable distribution of carbon space, support for mitigation and adaptation and resilience-building measures, mobilisation of finance, technology transfer and importance of sustainable lifestyles for green and inclusive growth,” the prime minister said in a departure statement before leaving for Rome and Glasgow.

Stating that the Summit will provide an opportunity to meet with all the stakeholders and explore possibilities for further accelerating clean growth, the PM said: “Today, India is creating new records in collective effort for climate adaptation, mitigation and resilience and forging multilateral alliances. India is among the top countries in the world in terms of installed renewable energy, wind and solar energy capacity. At the WLS, I will share India’s excellent track record on climate action and our achievements”.

The upcoming COP 26 summit (October 31 to November 12) aims to review and amend promises by countries and companies worldwide to contribute to mitigation efforts. Amid a growing number of extreme climate events, there is tremendous pressure on developing nations like India to revise nationally determined commitments (NDCs), cut-off coal/fossil fuels, and declare a Net Zero target.

However, with per capita carbon emissions per year  “far less than countries like the USA, EU and China”, India’s stance is that the country is doing what is required to help tackle climate change and is willing to contribute “constructively” to further efforts. However, “fossil fuels are essential for its growth plans and targets” and “what is happening today is due to historic actions of developed nations”.

“India is not against enhanced targets for renewable energy and investment in several new-age green fuel technologies, but we cannot commit to phasing out coal,” officials say. India’s INDC pitch includes approximately 450-Gigawatt renewable energy by 2030, and other mitigation efforts.

Officials said Indian negotiators are expected to move to establish a mechanism for ‘loss and damage’ due to climate change-related events and compensating regions most vulnerable and help them prevent and manage mishaps in the future. The country will pitch for the $100 billion per year climate financing by developed nations, which has also been specified by Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, who left for the climate summit on Friday.

While India is willing to contribute “constructively, including loss and damage’ caused by extreme climate events”, the main responsibility lies with developed nations, the historic polluters, according to “polluter pays principle”, they say.

The Indian team of negotiators includes representatives of several ministries.