Write the main points of the agreement reached at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 21) held in Paris in December 2015. What was India’s stand at the conference?

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The Paris Agreement (COP21): Main Points and India’s Stand

Introduction:

The 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), held in Paris in December 2015, resulted in the landmark Paris Agreement. This agreement, adopted by 196 Parties, marked a significant turning point in global efforts to combat climate change. For the first time, all nations agreed to a common cause to undertake ambitious efforts to combat climate change and adapt to its effects, with enhanced support to assist developing countries to do so. The agreement aimed to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels. This introduction necessitates a factual and analytical approach to address the question’s demands.

Body:

Main Points of the Paris Agreement:

  • Long-term temperature goal: The agreement sets a long-term goal of keeping the increase in global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C. This reflects the scientific consensus on the increasingly severe impacts of climate change at higher temperature increases.

  • Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Each country submitted its own NDCs outlining its planned contributions to emissions reduction. These were not legally binding targets, but rather commitments reflecting each nation’s capabilities and circumstances. The agreement established a mechanism for regularly updating and enhancing these NDCs over time.

  • Adaptation: The agreement recognizes the importance of adaptation to the unavoidable impacts of climate change. It includes provisions for supporting developing countries in building resilience to climate change impacts.

  • Loss and Damage: The agreement acknowledges the importance of addressing loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change, particularly for vulnerable developing countries. However, it avoids assigning liability or compensation.

  • Finance: Developed countries committed to providing financial support to developing countries to help them mitigate and adapt to climate change. The agreement calls for scaling up financial flows to meet the needs of developing countries.

  • Transparency and Accountability: The agreement establishes a framework for transparency and accountability, requiring countries to regularly report on their progress in implementing their NDCs.

India’s Stand at COP21:

India’s position at COP21 was characterized by a strong emphasis on:

  • Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR): India strongly advocated for the principle of CBDR, emphasizing that developed countries, historically responsible for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions, bear a greater responsibility for mitigation efforts. This principle is enshrined in the UNFCCC.

  • Climate Justice: India stressed the need for climate justice, arguing that developing countries should not be burdened with the same mitigation targets as developed nations, given their lower historical emissions and ongoing development needs.

  • Sustainable Development: India linked climate action to its sustainable development goals, emphasizing the need for access to affordable and clean energy for its growing population. This included advocating for financial and technological support from developed countries to facilitate this transition.

  • Focus on Adaptation: India highlighted the importance of adaptation measures, given its vulnerability to climate change impacts such as droughts, floods, and sea-level rise.

  • Technology Transfer: India actively sought technology transfer from developed countries to enable its transition to a low-carbon economy.

Conclusion:

The Paris Agreement represents a significant global commitment to address climate change. While not without its limitations, it established a framework for international cooperation and accountability. India’s participation reflected its commitment to climate action while upholding the principles of CBDR and climate justice. Moving forward, successful implementation of the Paris Agreement requires continued international cooperation, enhanced financial and technological support for developing countries, and a commitment to ambitious and equitable emissions reduction targets. The focus should remain on achieving a sustainable and just transition to a low-carbon future, ensuring that the benefits of climate action are shared equitably across all nations, upholding constitutional values of justice and equality for all.

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