India recently advocated for stronger collective leadership in pushing forward the 2030 Climate Agenda. This agenda consists of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by all UN countries in 2015. With a completion target of 2030, the emphasis on climate action has never been more crucial.
At the 11th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting in Brasília, Indian officials, led by Amandeep Garg from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, stressed the need for BRICS nations to improve climate financing. A major point of discussion was the Baku to Belem Roadmap, which aims to generate $1.3 trillion in climate finance to help meet Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
India pointed out that the proposed funding of $300 billion annually by 2035 under the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance is insufficient compared to the $1.3 trillion target. The upcoming COP30 conference, hosted by Brazil, is seen as a key opportunity for advancing global climate adaptation efforts.
BRICS, representing nearly half of the world’s population and over a third of global GDP, is pivotal in shaping international climate policy. India emphasized the need for fair usage of the global carbon budget, allowing developing nations to grow while still addressing climate change.
On energy, India reiterated the commitment from the BRICS New Delhi Declaration (2021) to diversify energy sources, including fossil fuels, nuclear, hydrogen, and renewables. This aligns with global initiatives like the Green Grids Initiative, which aims to integrate renewable energy more effectively.
India also highlighted the concept of a circular economy. The Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy Industry Coalition (RECEIC), formed during India’s G20 Presidency, is a model for international collaboration on sustainable resource management.
Moreover, India called for a "Just Transition," recognizing the differing economic situations within developing countries. It stressed that access to finance, technology, and building skills should remain a central focus in global talks.
With BRICS expanding to 11 member states, India illustrated how this enlargement enhances the group’s potential influence on global environmental policies. Joint efforts are needed to tackle issues like desertification, pollution, and biodiversity loss.
India cited the coalition’s initiatives, such as the Partnership for Urban Environmental Sustainability and the Clean Rivers Programme, demonstrating progress in sustainability. However, it acknowledged the ongoing challenges of marine plastic pollution and poor air quality and called for stronger cooperative efforts in these areas.
In reaffirming its commitment to conservation efforts, India mentioned the International Big Cat Alliance and encouraged BRICS nations to participate in global initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development. These include collaborations like the International Solar Alliance and the Global Biofuel Alliance to hasten climate action and development.
In a recent survey, 78% of global citizens expressed concern about climate change, emphasizing the urgency of these discussions. As all nations work towards the 2030 targets, the need for partnerships and innovative solutions becomes ever more crucial.
For further insights on climate finance and global environmental policies, you can explore the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
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