An Inter-Ministerial delegation from India had attended the 28th Session of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 28) held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates from 30th November 2023 to 13th December 2023.
The subjects discussed at COP 28 included the First Global Stocktake, Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), Loss and Damage Fund, Operationalisation of work programme on Just Transition pathways, Santiago Network for Loss and Damage and matters related to Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
The First Global Stocktake (GST) decision calls on Parties to contribute in a nationally determined manner, taking into account the Paris Agreement and their different national circumstances, pathways and approaches to, inter alia, transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner, accelerating efforts towards the phase-down of unabated coal power, accelerating efforts globally towards net zero emission energy systems, utilizing zero- and low-carbon fuels well before or by around mid-century and to triple renewable energy capacity globally and double the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030. The decision commits to accelerate action on the basis of the best available science, reflecting equity and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities in the light of different national circumstances. The decision recognises the need to peak global emissions by 2025, and that time frames for peaking may be shaped by sustainable development, poverty eradication needs and equity and in line with different national circumstances. The decision stressed that Global Carbon budget is now small and rapidly depleting, and historical cumulative net carbon dioxide emissions already account for about four-fifths of the total carbon budget. The First GST also decided that any Unilateral measure should not constitute a means of arbitrary or unjustifiable discrimination or a disguised restriction on international trade. Developed countries have been asked to provide financial resources to the Developing countries for their climate actions. They have also been urged to fulfil the commitment of USD 100 billion per year through 2025.
In line with the mandate under the Paris Agreement to develop Global Goal for Adaptation, COP28 finalised the ‘Emirates Framework for Global Climate Resilience’, which gave Global targets in the areas of potable water supply, climate-resilient food and health services, resilient human settlement and culture. The targets also include the vulnerability assessment and establishment of multi hazard early warning systems.
The decision on the operationalization of the new funding arrangements, including a Fund, for responding to loss and damage, promised at COP27, was adopted. The new fund is to be hosted by the World Bank for an initial period of four years. 19 countries made commitments totalling $792 million towards the fund and funding arrangements related to loss and damage.
COP28 delivered a Just Transition Work Programme. This programme will drive ambitious, equitable implementation across all pillars of the Paris Agreement. It encompasses pathways that include energy, socioeconomic, workforce and other dimensions.
On Santiago Network for Loss and Damage, the consortium of United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) were selected for hosting of the Santiago network secretariat for an initial term of five years.
Under the Article 6 decision, development of UNFCCC web-based platform for non-market approaches has been discussed. Parties will undertake identification, development and implementation of their non-market approaches once the UNFCCC web-based platform becomes fully operational.
This information was given by Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
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