CLIMATE DIPLOMACY

Published on 07 Jan 2025

Climate diplomacy involves navigating international relations to address climate change, leveraging strategic partnerships and advocating for sustainable solutions. With a focus on both domestic priorities and global cooperation, India aims to play a proactive role in shaping climate policies and fostering environmental resilience.

Significance of Climate Diplomacy for India

• Global Leadership: India's vulnerability to climate impacts positions it as a crucial player in global climate action.

• Economic and Political Gains: Aligning with sustainable energy production reflects a broader shift in foreign policy towards active global engagement.

• Strategic Leverage: India can strategically leverage climate governance to enhance its role in international negotiations.

• Regional Leadership in the Indo-Pacific: India's climate vulnerability and Indo-Pacific influence make it a key player in regional climate diplomacy.

• Enhanced Sphere of Influence: Engaging in climate financing and supporting development expands India's global influence.

Evolution of India's Climate Diplomacy

• Copenhagen Accord Resistance (2009): In 2009, India, along with BASIC nations, successfully resisted attempts by the US and EU to dilute the Annex I and non-Annex I differentiation in the UNFCCC Copenhagen, preserving the distinctions between developed and developing countries.

• Shift in Climate Image (2015):  Despite being perceived as obstructionist, India facilitated the Paris Accord in 2015, marking a pivotal shift in its climate diplomacy approach

• Leadership through International Solar Alliance (ISA): India launched ISA in 2015, as a platform to strengthen ties with the African Union, engage in regional initiatives, and enhance bilateral relations.

• International Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI - 2019): India took a proactive stance by initiating CDRI at the Climate Action Summit in 2019. CDRI aims to support the development of climate-resilient infrastructure worldwide, aligning with sustainable development goals.

• Neighbourhood-Centric Climate Diplomacy: India prioritized long-term strategic interests in its neighbourhood by actively engaging in BIMSTEC to strengthen climate resilience, and protect vulnerable communities.

• World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS - 2021):  In 2021, TERI hosted WSDS, where PM Modi highlighted India's commitment to climate action. He reported a 24% reduction in emissions intensity of GDP, showcasing progress towards the committed 33%-35% reduction by 2030.

• UNFCCC Reporting Mechanisms: India actively contributes to enhancing reporting mechanisms under the UNFCCC, providing accurate and comprehensive data on climate progress. 

• Quad Cooperation on Clean Energy Policies: Coordinating policies on clean energy sources and green technologies is a priority for India within the Quad framework, involving the US, Japan, and Australia. 

• Bilateral Climate Partnerships: India has entered into multiple bilateral climate partnerships, including agreements with the US and the European Union, as well as several member states for knowledge exchange, and technology transfer.

• Championing Global South's Interests in G20: During its G20 presidency, India championed initiatives like the Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE).

• COP 26: surprised delegates at the COP26 climate summit with a bold pledge, to reach net zero by 2070. 

Way Forward

• MEA's Climate Division:  Establish a Climate Division within the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) headed by a Joint Secretary to look into broader foreign policy.

• Climate Wings at Diplomatic Missions: Introduce "Climate Wings" at major diplomatic missions like Washington DC, Brussels, and Tokyo. These wings will track and accelerate bilateral climate partnerships, synergizing policy efforts and engaging with relevant multilateral forums.

• Strategic Capacity Building: Invest in building strategic capacity to effectively translate climate commitments into actionable policies.

• Policy Coordination and Implementation:  Ensure seamless policy coordination between domestic and international spheres to achieve climate objectives.

• Climate Finance Collaboration: Collaborate with international financial institutions and the private sector to unlock climate finance for sustainable projects.

• Monitoring Paris Commitments: Regularly monitor and assess India's progress vis-à-vis the Paris commitments, emphasizing both adaptation and mitigation efforts.

• Analysis of Protectionist Policies: Evaluate the impact and costs of protectionist and fiscal policies adopted by other nations on India's climate goals.

• Enhancing Disaster Resilience: Strengthen joint disaster response mechanisms through risk identification, mitigation plans, and rapid deployment strategies, aligning with India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy.

• Fostering Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Prioritize cooperation on resilient infrastructure, particularly in port development, as outlined in India's maritime strategy (SAGAR – Security And Growth for All in the Region) for the Indian Ocean Region.

• Developing common frameworks: on adaptation measures to protect communities against extreme events through sharing best practices and information, like India’s Heat Action Plans.

Tags:
Polity

Keywords:
CLIMATE DIPLOMACY climate change Climate-Resilience SAGAR International Solar Alliance disaster disaster management ISA sustainable development SDG International Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure CDRI

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 2

Topics:
International Relations