Subject: Rio Family/UNFCCC/IPCC

The 26th Conference of the Parties (COP-26) to the UNFCCC, held in Glasgow in 2021, sought to accelerate global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C under the Paris Agreement.

Major Outcomes of COP-26

Recognition of Climate Emergency – Countries reaffirmed the goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C.

Accelerating Climate Action

Countries acknowledged this as a critical decade, requiring 45% CO₂ reduction by 2030 to reach net-zero by mid-century.

They agreed to submit stronger NDCs by 2022, and an annual NDC synthesis report.

For the first time, parties agreed to phase down unabated coal and phase out inefficient fossil-fuel subsidies, though language was weakened from “phase-out” to “phase-down.”

Urged immediate fulfilment of Climate Finance Commitments by Developed countries

Countries agreed to double adaptation finance for developing nations and launched a Global Goal on Adaptation work programme.

Completing the Paris Rulebook – Consensus achieved on Article 6 (carbon markets), Enhanced Transparency Framework, and common reporting formats.

Strengthening of the Santiago Network for technical assistance and launch of the Glasgow Dialogue on funding arrangements for loss and damage.

Major Side Deals & Announcements

Forests: 137 countries committed to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030.

103 countries joined the Global Methane Pledge to cut emissions by 30% by 2030.

Zero-Emission Vehicles: Over 30 countries and major automakers committed to new zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035/2040.

India’s Commitments at COP-26

Panchamrit – Five Key Climate Targets

500 GW of non-fossil electricity capacity by 2030

50% of energy requirements from renewables by 2030

Reduction of emissions intensity of GDP by 45% (from 2005 levels) by 2030

1 billion tonnes reduction in projected carbon emissions by 2030

Net-zero by 2070

India, along with the UK, launched the Green Grids Initiative – One Sun, One World and One Grid mission to connect grids

Call for Climate Justice & Equity – India emphasised Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR-RC) and demanded enhanced finance and technology transfer from developed countries.

The mantra of LIFE- Lifestyle for Environment as a mass movement for Environment Conscious Lifestyles.

The summit produced new “building blocks” to advance implementation of the Paris Agreement for sustainable, low-carbon pathway forward.

Green Grid Initiative, launched by India and UK, seeks to establish an inter-connected global renewable power grid, under the principle of “one sun, one world, one grid.”

Purpose of Green Grid Initiative

It is based on three thematic pillars:

Finance – Mobilise investment to double grid funding by 2030.

Planning, Permits & Operation – Improve long-term planning and speed up approvals for faster grid development.

Supply Chains – Strengthen manufacturing and match demand with supply of grid components.

“The Sun Never Sets” Vision – Ensure continuous solar availability globally by connecting regions in different time zones.

Build international collaboration for the effective use of renewable energy.

Global Interconnected Grid to accelerate the transition to renewable energy.

Energy Sharing Mechanism – Enable countries with low sunlight to access power from regions with surplus solar energy.

Ensuring energy equity and access: enabling mini-grids and off-grid communities

Accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels by enhancing deployment of clean energy

History of Green Grid Initiative

The concept of OSOWOG was first introduced by India’s Prime Minister at the first Assembly of ISA in October 2018.

It was formally launched by India and UK in COP26

By building a framework for international cooperation, it strengthens the global pathway towards decarbonisation and energy security by 2030, making it a pivotal instrument for achieving SDG-7 and supporting global climate action.

Global warming refers to the long-term rise in Earth’s average surface temperature due to increased concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from human activities.

Effects of Global Warming on Global Climate

Melting Glaciers & Polar Ice – Eg – Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets losing mass at record rates.

Sea-Level Rise – IPCC projects 1.3-1.6 m SLR by 2100 under high-emission scenarios – Submergence of low-lying coasts, salinity intrusion and displacement.

Extreme Weather Events – Eg – Increasing frequency of Category 4-5 cyclones in the Indian Ocean.

Disruption of Monsoons – Erratic and unpredictable rainfall.

Ocean Acidification – Elevated CO₂ lowers pH, affecting coral reefs and fisheries. Eg – Mass bleaching events on the Great Barrier Reef.

Biodiversity Decline – Species migration and extinction risks rise.

Intensification of feedback loops – Eg- Permafrost thaw releases methane, warming oceans release less CO₂, and forest dieback reduces carbon sinks

Expansion of arid zones – Higher temperatures increase evapotranspiration and reduce soil moisture. Eg – Prolonged droughts in Horn of Africa

Disruption of Global Thermohaline Circulation – Eg- weakening of Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)

Hotter, drier conditions raise wildfire risks – Eg – Australian bushfires (2019-20) and California wildfires

Control Measures to Reduce GHGs (under Kyoto Protocol, 1997)

The Kyoto Protocol was the first legally binding global framework mandating GHG reduction by industrialised nations.

Binding Emission Reduction Targets – Annex-I countries committed to reducing emissions by 5% below 1990 levels during 2008-2012.

Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) – Allows developed countries to invest in emission-reduction projects in developing nations and earn carbon credits.

Joint Implementation (JI) – Developed nations can meet their Kyoto targets via emission-reduction projects in other Annex-I countries.

International Emissions Trading (IET) – countries with surplus emission units trade them with those exceeding their limits.

Other Measures

Enhancing Carbon Sinks through afforestation, reforestation and improved land management. Eg- Miyawaki method of Urban Forestry

Low-Carbon Technologies to reduce fossil-fuel use. Eg- EVs

Energy Efficiency – Efficiency standards, industrial retrofits, transport reforms and building codes reduce GHG intensity.

Policy Support for Green Finance – Eg- tax breaks, green bonds, climate insurance etc

Implementing these through enhanced national commitments, equitable climate finance and rapid decarbonization remains essential for achieving SDG 13 (Climate Action)

Impact of 1-metre Sea-Level Rise in India

Submergence of Low-Lying Coastal Areas – Eg- Large parts of the Kolkata, Mumbai, Kochi, Chennai

Enhanced Coastal Erosion – Eg- as per National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) report around 34% of India’s coastline is eroded

Salinity Intrusion into Aquifers & Rivers impacting drinking water and agriculture.

Mangroves & Wetlands like Sundarbans, Mahanadi delta wetlands, Gulf of Kachchh mangroves risk drowning and biodiversity loss.

Intensification of cyclones due to more moisture and heat from ocean warming.

Millions from deltaic regions may face climate-induced migration. Around 3.6 million people have been displaced in South Asia over the past decade. (Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre)

Ports & Coastal Infrastructure face higher flooding risk, economic losses, and costly adaptation needs.

Island Submergence – Eg- Sundarbans (Ghoramara, Sagar) and Lakshadweep (Chetlat, Amini, Kavaratti)

Impact on Other Indian Ocean Region Countries

Maldives – Existential Threat as 80% of land below 1 metre

Bangladesh – Massive Displacement in Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta

Sri Lanka – damage to fisheries and tourism economy.

Myanmar – The Irrawaddy delta—a food-producing zone—faces salinity, crop losses and intensified cyclone impact.

Indonesia – Severe Impacts on Islands & Cities. Eg- Jakarta already sinking

East African Coast – Countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique would face mangrove loss, storm surges, and fishery declines.

Increased Maritime Instability – Changes in ocean temperature and circulation will affect monsoons, fisheries, and regional climate systems across the Indian Ocean basin.

Way Forward

Hard Engineering Measures

Seawalls to block wave attack.

Groynes – Trap sand and widen beaches. Eg- Puducherry groyne field.

Breakwaters – Offshore barriers that reduce wave energy. Eg- Chennai port.

Revetments – Sloped rock armour to absorb wave impact.

Soft Engineering Measures

Mangrove Restoration – Eg- MISHTI-based efforts in Sundarbans.

Coral and Seagrass Restoration – Eg- Andaman reef rehabilitation.

Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM)

Ecosystem-Based Coastal Planning – Combines geomorphology, ecology and socio-economic factors.

Regulatory Tools (CRZ Norms) – no-development zones and hazard mapping reduce vulnerability.

Early Warning Systems – INCOIS alerts for timely action.

Strengthening coastal resilience and climate mitigation is essential to safeguard communities and advance SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement (2015) reflect the principles of climate justice and CBDR-RC, balancing developmental needs with global climate responsibility.

India’s Climate Commitments under the Paris Agreement (2015)

Reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 33-35% from 2005 levels by 2030.

Achieve 40% cumulative electric power capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030. Eg – Solar, wind, hydro, nuclear.

Create an additional 2.5-3 billion tonnes of CO₂-equivalent carbon sink through afforestation and tree cover.

Strengthen climate-resilient agriculture, disaster management and low-carbon infrastructure, while mobilising domestic and international finance.

Strengthening Its Commitments at COP-26 (Glasgow, 2021) – India announced the Panchamrit:

The mantra of LIFE- Lifestyle for Environment as a mass movement for Environment Conscious Lifestyles was also launched.

Review on India’s climate commitments

Key Achievements by 2024-25

Emission intensity of GDP declined by 33% from 2005 levels – on track to meet the 2030 target by 2026.

51% of total installed capacity is non-fossil (surpassed 50% NDC goal).

Carbon Sequestration: 522 MtCO₂ sequestered through forests and land use practices (BUR-4, 2024).

Policy Innovations:

Green Credit Programme launched in 2023 for afforestation incentives.

MISHTI mangrove restoration scheme covering 3,000+ hectares.

Launch of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign for mass tree plantation.

Gap Between Climate Ambition and Implementation

Overdependence on Fossil Fuels

Fossil fuels still account for ~73% of electricity generation (CEA, 2023).

Fossil fuel subsidies are 8x higher than renewable subsidies

Shortfall in Carbon Sink – Forest and tree cover 25.1% (SoFR 2023), short of the 33% goal

India’s emissions intensity target is rated “Insufficient” by Climate Action Tracker report

Delayed Data Reporting – India’s latest Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) covered data only up to 2020 and was submitted in late 2024.

Delayed Implementation of Net-Zero Roadmap – sector-wise decarbonization targets are not clearly defined or enforced.

Way Forward

Localized Climate Risk Mapping and Micro-Zonation using GIS, satellite data, and AI.

Nature-Based Solutions – Eg- mangrove restoration under MISHTI

Strengthen the Green Energy Corridor for better grid integration of renewables.

Promoting Circular Economy Eg- Enforce mandatory use of 30% recycled material in construction projects.

Climate-Resilient Agriculture

Scale up organic through Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY).

Develop agroforestry to improve soil health, reduce emissions.

Expanding Electric Mobility Ecosystem – Strengthen charging infrastructure across highways and cities (EV-charging at petrol pumps/dhabas).

With climate risks threatening a staggering 24.7 % GDP loss by 2070, resilient development is no longer just an option-it is an economic imperative to achieve the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat’