I’m your host, Ishan, and today we’re diving into a topic that impacts every corner of our planet – COP, or the Conference of Parties.
So, what exactly is COP? It’s an annual gathering where governments from developed and developing countries unite to address the urgent need to safeguard our climate.
The United Nations Framework on Convention on Climate Change, or UNFCCC, plays host to this critical meeting, first convened in Bonn, Germany, bringing together 198 countries with a shared mission to protect our planet from the repercussions of climate change.
Now, let’s fast forward to COP26 in Paris, France, back in 2015.
This pivotal meeting led to the Paris Agreement, where the global community recognized the alarming rise in Earth’s temperature, emphasizing the critical 1.5-degree Celsius tipping point.
Anything beyond 2 degrees could spell severe consequences.
And here we are, at COP28, held from November 30 to December 12, 2023. This conference revolves around the Paris Agreement and introduces the term ‘Phase Out Fossil Fuel’ to combat climate threats.
Why the focus on fossil fuels? As they are the major culprit behind global warming and climate change. To cut it off all the nations came to the conclusion that it is time for a collective effort to address the issue head-on.
To deal with it they made specific targets and agreements during this conference, so what are they let have a look.
Firstly, a substantial $700 million pledge from various nations, including the UAE, UK, Japan, USA, and the EU, has been made to the Loss And Damage Funds, managed by the World Bank, aimed at assisting climate-vulnerable countries.
Global Stock Take has introduced a five-year check on climate action and measures to assess progress toward the Paris Climate Change Agreement goals, with a decision involving almost 200 parties at COP28 where all of them agreed to “transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems.
A commitment to triple global renewable capacity, and reducing non-renewable resources, excluding India, which aims to cut coal usage by 40% by 2030.
Over 140 countries signed a declaration placing health at the core of climate action, excluding India.
And then there’s Climate Finance, pursuing to deliver the long-standing $100 billion Climate Finance pledge made by OECD countries in 2009.
All countries, including India, have agreed to cut fossil fuel usage. India emphasizes a phasedown instead of a phaseout, the US and China supported India in it back in COP26 as India’s economy depends on coal and the government has its own target to remove it by 2070.
Now the question is where does India stand in all of this?
Prime Minister Modi affirmed our country’s commitment, highlighting that India contributes less than 4% of global carbon emissions despite having 17% of the world’s population.
He set ambitious targets, aiming for a 45% reduction in emission intensity by 2030 and a net-zero target by 2070.
Additionally, he announced the Green Credit Initiative with the UAE and expressed interest in hosting COP33 in 2028.
As we are closing in, I want to know what your thoughts are on the nation’s pledge to phase out fossil fuels by 2070?
Share your opinions in the comments below. Is it achievable or not, only time will tell.
In my view, with the right governmental actions and regulations, similar to the swift embrace of technology during the early days of COVID, we can make it happen.
But the responsibility doesn’t lie solely with governments; it extends to us as individuals we also need to take action to save our home planet by not using things that can harm Earth’s climate.
By embracing sustainable practices, like using jute bags instead of plastic, participating in campaigns, and more.
If every individual adopts this mindset, our world can truly become a better place for us and generations to come.
If you’re interested in emerging technologies, check out the post on how to create an AI-talking avatar. Until next time, keep learning and evolving. See you over there!
