Climate change is intricately linked to cumulative carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) highlighted that developing countries have lower per capita emissions, but their contribution to global emissions is expected to rise to meet developmental needs.
This led to the adoption of the “common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities” (CBDR-RC) principle, further emphasized in the Paris Agreement, aiming to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.
The Global Carbon Budget
Defining the Carbon Budget: The global carbon budget refers to the maximum amount of CO2 that can be emitted globally to limit warming to a predetermined level. With the world having warmed by 1.07°C by 2019, nearly four-fifths of this budget is already used up, leaving a critical margin to avoid surpassing the Paris Agreement targets.
Developed vs. Developing Nations: Developed countries have historically used a larger share of the carbon budget. For instance, South Asia, including India, has contributed only about 4% to historical emissions despite comprising nearly 24% of the global population, underscoring the inequity in emissions and the impact on developing nations.
Global Warming Projections and Energy Dynamics
Temperature Rise Predictions: The IPCC predicts a likely breach of the 1.5°C global warming threshold above pre-industrial levels by the early 2030s, based on current emissions trajectories.
Energy Consumption Trends: In 2022, the global energy mix remained heavily reliant on non-renewables: oil (30%), coal (27%), and gas (23%), with renewables like solar and wind contributing minimally (2.4%).
Policy and Realpolitik at COP 26: Developed nations have pressured developing countries to adopt rapid, comprehensive energy transitions. However, the post-COP 26 period saw a retreat from these commitments, as European countries reopened coal plants in response to the energy crisis triggered by the Russia-Ukraine war, highlighting the practical challenges of immediate fossil fuel phaseout and the growth constraints it imposes on developing nations.
India’s Stake in the Carbon Budget: India’s Call for Equity: India faces the challenge of claiming its fair share of the remaining carbon budget, crucial for its development and poverty eradication efforts. With developed countries having exploited a significant portion of the budget, India advocates for equitable distribution consistent with the principles of the UNFCCC.
The Path Forward
India emphasizes the importance of sustainable development as a primary defense against climate change. Through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and the Global Biofuel Alliance, India is leading efforts to foster international consensus on climate action.
The country argues for a fair allocation of the carbon budget or equivalent reparations to ensure global equity in the face of climate challenges.
Source: COP 28: India’s equity demand (The Hindu, November 24, 2023)
Further Reading
For UPSC Civil Services aspirants focusing on climate change and environmental issues, expanding your knowledge base across related topics is crucial for a comprehensive understanding. Here are some recommended areas for further study:
International Climate Agreements
- Paris Agreement (2015)
- Kyoto Protocol (1997)
- Conference of the Parties (COP) Meetings
Renewable Energy Sources
- Solar, Wind, Hydro, and Tidal Energy
- Biofuels and Biomass Energy
- Challenges and opportunities in renewable energy adoption
Sustainable Development
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Brundtland Commission and the concept of sustainable development
- Role of technology in sustainable development
Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies
- Carbon Sequestration Techniques
- Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
- Green Economy and Low Carbon Development
Environmental Policies and Governance
- National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) of India
- Forest Conservation and Reforestation Efforts
- Wildlife Protection and Biodiversity Conservation
Global Warming and Its Impacts
- Sea-Level Rise and its impacts on coastal communities
- Climate Change and Agricultural Productivity
- Health effects of global warming
International Environmental Organizations
- United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
- Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
- World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
Pollution and Environmental Degradation
- Air, Water, and Soil Pollution
- Plastic Pollution and its control measures
- Hazardous Waste Management
Economics of Climate Change
- Carbon Pricing: Tax vs. Cap-and-trade systems
- Green Finance and Climate Financing
- The cost of environmental degradation
Case Studies on Climate Action
- Success stories of renewable energy adoption by countries or cities
- Impact assessment of climate policies in various regions
- Innovative climate solutions and startups
Explore These Topics On GSPedia
- Everything You Need To Know About Biofuels
- Evaluating The Potential Of Biofuels As An Alternative To Fossil Fuels
- Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA)
- Climate Finance
- Climate Finance & India
- India’s Climate Change Policy
- Loss And Damage