Mon Nov 18 20:20:33 UTC 2024: ## India Calls for Urgent Climate Action at COP29, Highlights Funding Gap and Technology Transfer Barriers

**Baku, Azerbaijan –** India delivered a strong statement at the COP29 UN Climate Change Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, urging developed nations to significantly bolster their climate commitments and address critical funding and technology gaps hindering global climate action. Addressing the “2024 Annual High-level Ministerial Roundtable on pre-2030 Ambition,” India emphasized four key areas requiring immediate attention: increased technology transfer, adequate climate finance, enhanced international cooperation, and the fostering of mutual trust.

Leena Nandan, Secretary of India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, highlighted data from the 2024 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) Synthesis Report, revealing that projected CO2 emissions from 2020-2030 will consume 86% of the remaining carbon budget. She stressed the urgent need for decisive action before 2030, emphasizing that developed nations must fulfill their commitments to achieve net-zero targets to pave the way for a sustainable future.

India’s intervention underscored the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR-RC), arguing against burdening developing nations with the consequences of inadequate pre-2020 mitigation efforts. The country called for unrestricted technology transfer, particularly in clean energy and carbon removal, criticizing Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) restrictions that hinder innovation in developing nations.

A major point of contention was the significant shortfall in climate finance, particularly for developing countries. India stressed that developed nations must fully fund the costs associated with deviations from least-cost development pathways for developing nations, highlighting the inequitable burden currently placed on those least responsible for climate change. India urged developed countries to meet their financial commitments, describing COP29 as a crucial milestone for climate finance.

Furthermore, India criticized the uneven nature of international cooperation, pointing to unilateral measures by some nations that disproportionately impact developing countries. The need for equitable, collaborative solutions, and the building of mutual trust between nations were highlighted as essential for achieving meaningful progress by 2030.

While acknowledging concerns raised by the NDC Synthesis Report, India also noted a positive trend: global greenhouse gas emissions in 2030 are projected to be 2.6% lower than in 2019. With the next round of NDCs due next year, India expressed hope for further improvements in global climate action.

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