India Forms Inter-Ministerial Group for Climate Negotiations

India has established an inter-ministerial group tasked with developing a comprehensive perspective on key matters to be discussed in global climate negotiations. Formed in August, the inter-ministerial group on climate change comprises members from various ministries and departments, including the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Ministry of Power, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, and the Department of Economic Affairs.

Key Discussions within the Inter-Ministerial Group

1. Mitigation: Mitigation involves strategies and actions aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, a crucial aspect of addressing climate change.
2. Adaptation: Adaptation refers to measures and processes aimed at adjusting to the effects of climate change, ensuring resilience in the face of climate-related challenges.
3. Loss and Damage: This relates to the impacts of climate change that cannot be avoided through adaptation. The establishment of a Loss and Damage Fund was a significant milestone in addressing these impacts.
4. Climate Finance: The group discusses matters related to climate finance, including the definition of climate finance and the role of private finance in line with Article 2.1(c) of the Paris Agreement.
5. Article 6 of the Paris Agreement: Article 6 enables voluntary cooperation among countries to achieve emission-reduction targets. It allows for the transfer of carbon credits earned from greenhouse gas emission reductions to assist other countries in meeting their climate goals.

Significance of the Group’s Work

• Loss and Damage Fund: The creation of the Loss and Damage Fund at COP27 marked a significant achievement, offering financial support to countries highly vulnerable to severe climate impacts.
• Finance Clarity: India emphasizes the need for clarity in defining climate finance, advocating for financial contributions primarily as grants rather than loans, and balance between mitigation and adaptation efforts.
• Article 2.1(c): Article 2.1(c) of the Paris Agreement seeks to align financial flows with climate action, a crucial element in achieving global climate goals.
• Article 6 Cooperation: Article 6 provides a framework for countries to collaborate voluntarily and support each other in reducing greenhouse gas emissions to meet their climate targets.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2023

Category: Environment Current Affairs • India Nation & States Current Affairs