9-Feb-2023: International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC) was held in Canada

5th International Marine Protected Areas Congress was held in Canada with the theme "Marine Protected Areas: A Global Call to Action." It aimed to address the Funding Gap of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

Highlights of the Meet

• Sustainable and Resilient MPA networks
• 70% of MPAs are underfunded
• Well-managed and sufficiently funded MPA can restore good health to vulnerable ecosystems
• Achieving sustainable and resilient MPA networks depends on an overall commitment to protection, leadership, engagement from stakeholders, institutions, governments, and organizations, Indigenous peoples, coastal communities, and individuals in an inclusive and equitable manner to advance ocean protection
• IMPAC5 provides a forum for sharing knowledge, successes, and best practices in an open and respectful environment for the exchanging of ideas among a diversity of views

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19-Dec-2022: United Nation’s Conference of Parties

An inter-Ministerial delegation from India attended the 27thsession of Conference of Parties (COP 27) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The Parties at the Conference came together to advance on global collective action on mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage, climate finance, etc. with a view to achieve the goals under the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement.

India emphasized the necessity to adhere to the principles of UNFCCC and Paris Agreement, which include inter-alia, equity, principle of common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR-RC) and respective capabilities and that developed countries must take lead in climate action as well as the provision of climate finance and technology transfer. This effort was undertaken also jointly with several other developing country partners and groups. As a consequence, these principles are reflected extensively in the ‘Sharm El-Sheikh Implementation Plan’ and other decisions of COP27.

COP 27 has been termed as an ‘Implementation COP’. Major outcomes of COP 27 inter-alia include decision on establishing a loss & damage fund and work programs for mitigation, just transition and climate action in agriculture. India’s efforts included focusing on equity, mainstreaming national circumstances and concerns for adaptation in agriculture, the need for equity while pursuing any specific results on global peaking, net zero and emission reduction targets, supporting fair shares of the global carbon budget and for funding arrangements for loss and damage. India's efforts also led to inclusion of reference to the need for transition to sustainable lifestyles together with sustainable patterns of production and consumption in the cover decision titled ‘Sharm El-Sheikh Implementation Plan’. At COP 27, India’s negotiations were based on foundational principle of equity and the best available science to draw developed countries’ attention to their unfulfilled commitments. The G77+China which represents more than 80% of the world population united to produce just and equitable outcomes. In the COP 26 and COP 27, India contributed to decisions that have explicitly made unprecedented expressions of regret and concern at the failure of developed countries to meet their commitments in climate finance.

In the cover decision titled Sharm El-Sheikh Implementation Plan; countries have reaffirmed the Paris Agreement temperature goal of holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels, recognizing that this would significantly reduce the risks and impacts of climate change.

India’s position is reflected in decisions relating to reduction of greenhouse gases and extending financial support to developing countries. The decision on ‘matters relating to the work programme for urgently scaling up mitigation ambition’ emphasizes the urgent need to increase efforts to collectively reduce emissions through accelerated action and implementation of domestic mitigation measures. In this context, the decision recalls relevant provisions of the Paris Agreement including obligations on the part of the developed countries to take the lead by undertaking economy-wide absolute emission reduction targets and provide support to the developing countries.

The ‘Sharm El-Sheikh Implementation Plan’ inter-alia urges the developed countries to provide enhanced support, including through financial resources, technology transfer and capacity-building, to assist developing country Parties with respect to both mitigation and adaptation, in continuation of their existing obligations under the Convention.

15-Dec-2022: COP 27 and ensuring climate justice

India is a Party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), its Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement. Under the Paris Agreement, long-term temperature goal of holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels has been agreed upon by the countries ratifying Paris Agreement. As per the synthesis report on the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of the UNFCCC secretariat released this year, the current action plans of all countries if implemented, would still exceed the long-term temperature goal of 20C. The achievement of the Paris Agreement temperature goals will depend on developed countries taking the lead in mitigation, as per Article 3.1 of the UNFCCC and Article 4.4 of the Paris Agreement, and overcoming their deficits in their pre-2020 mitigation responsibilities and commitments, and the provision of climate finance, technology transfer and capacity building.

On India’s part, despite our minimal responsibility for the current temperature increase, every effort at enhanced ambition is being undertaken, based on equity and principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. These include India’s updated NDCs and declaration of net-zero by 2070 and tremendous efforts in domestic climate action with a wide range of initiatives, programmes and schemes.

The recently concluded 27th session of the Conference of Parties (COP 27) to the UNFCCC has been termed as an 'implementation COP’. Major outcomes of COP 27 inter alia include decision on establishing a loss &damage fund and work programs for mitigation, just transition and climate action in agriculture.

India’s efforts included focusing on equity, mainstreaming national circumstances and concerns for adaptation in agriculture, the need for equity while pursuing any specific results on global peaking, net zero and emission reduction targets, supporting fair shares of the global carbon budget and for funding arrangements for loss and damage. India's efforts also led to inclusion of reference to the need for transition to sustainable lifestyles together with sustainable patterns of production and consumption in the cover decision titled ‘Sharm El-Sheikh Implementation Plan’. At COP 27, India’s negotiations were based on foundational principle of equity and the best available science to draw developed countries’ attention to their unfulfilled commitments. The G77+China which represents more than 80% of the world population united to produce just and equitable outcomes. In the COP 26 and COP 27,India contributed to decisions that have explicitly made unprecedented expressions of regret and concern at the failure of developed countries to meet their commitments in climate finance.

The cooperative effort of G77+China members, the Brazil, South Africa, India and China(BASIC) coalition and the Like-Minded Developing Countries coalition led to positive outcomes on loss and damage, equity, finance, adaptation and other such issues.  India plays an active role in all the three coalitions. India has consistently put forward to these coalitions the importance of historical responsibility of developed countries, the importance of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, and the operationalisation of principles of equity and climate justice through the assertion of their right to a fair and equitable share of the global carbon budget. As a result of India’s efforts, these issues have been put forward in varying ways by developing countries in joint submissions to the UNFCCC, and other joint statements and declarations at various levels, including the ministerial.

8-Dec-2022: UNFCCC COP 27 and India's promise to achieve carbon neutrality

At the Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the final outcomes are in the form of various decisions agreed to by consensus of all the Parties following extensive negotiations. The decisions carry varying degrees of commitments and responsibilities of Parties ranging from the purely voluntary or invitation to consider to the fully mandatory. Such decisions also carry caveats and exemptions under the principles of the Convention and the Paris Agreement, especially the principles of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities & Respective Capabilities in the light of different national circumstances, as applicable to developing countries. Based on the exact text of decisions in the light of these principles, India undertakes such actions as appropriate in fulfilment of its responsibilities.

Under the terms of the Paris Agreement, the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Long-Term Low Emissions Development Strategy(LT-LEDS) are determined by countries themselves and communicated to the UNFCCC. In keeping with this, India has submitted its updated NDCs on 26th August 2022 and its long-term low carbon development strategy on 14th November 2022.These documents lay out India’s vision and approaches towards reaching net-zero by 2070, which are expected to evolve as necessary over time.

As per LT-LEDS, India’s vision of low carbon development is based on the need to ensure India’s high energy needs for development, including poverty eradication, achieving Sustainable Development Goals and economic growth. Further, it is necessary that the plan for the country’s energy security is based both on the expansion of non-fossil fuel sources for power generation and rational utilization of fossil fuel resources. Specific steps for such utilization include, inter alia, expanding renewables and strengthening the grid and focusing on demand-side management.

20-Nov-2022: Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav Intervenes at the Closing Plenary of COP 27

The Closing Plenary of the 27th session of the Conference of Parties (COP 27) of the UNFCCC was held today at Sharm El-Sheikh. The conference which was held with the view to building on the previous successes and paving the way for future ambition concluded with countries coming together to take action towards achieving the world’s collective climate goals. The leader of Indian delegation and the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav made the intervention.

“Mr. President,

You are presiding over a historic COP where agreement has been secured for loss and damage funding arrangements including setting up a loss and damage fund. The world has waited far too long for this. We congratulate you on your untiring efforts to evolve consensus.

We also welcome the inclusion of transition to sustainable lifestyles and sustainable patterns of consumption and production in our efforts to address climate change in the cover decision.

We note that we are establishing a 4 year work program on climate action in agriculture and food security.

Agriculture, the mainstay of livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers, will be hard hit from climate change. So, we should not burden them with mitigation responsibilities.

Indeed, India has kept mitigation in agriculture out of its NDCs.

We are also establishing a work program on just transition.

For most developing countries, just transition cannot be equated with decarbonization, but with low-carbon development.

Developing countries need independence in their choice of energy mix, and in achieving the SDGs.

Developed countries taking the lead in climate action is therefore a very important aspect of the global just transition.

Thank You Mr. President.”

17-Nov-2022: Union Minister for Environment Forest and Climate Change participates in a session on “Accelerating Resilient Infrastructure in Small Island Developing States (SIDS)” at COP 27

A session on Accelerating Resilient Infrastructure in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) was held at the UNFCCC Pavilion on the side lines of COP 27 today. Union Minister for Environment Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, Shri Bhupender Yadav, Mr. Kavydass Ramano, Minister for Environment, Solid Waste and Climate Change, Government of Mauritius, Senator Matthew Samuda, Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Government of Jamaica and representatives from AOSIS and Fiji participated in the session.

The agenda of this session was to present the IRIS vision and announce the first ‘Call for Proposals’. The session focused on the IRIS vision 2022-2030 and reflected on the key enabling factors that will facilitate the implementation of the IRIS projects under the first ‘Call for Proposals’. IRIS will be the first initiative that will be rolled out through the Infrastructure Resilience Accelerator Fund (IRAF), launched by the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) last week at COP 27.

In his key note address, Shri Bhupender Yadav said:

“It is my pleasure to join you all today to present the vision of ‘Infrastructure for Resilient Island States’ (IRIS) to a global audience and announce the first ‘Call of Proposals’ for the roll out of projects under IRIS.

As you all know, IRIS is a flagship strategic initiative that has been designed as an instrument to achieve and deliver resilience and climate adaptation solutions to the SIDS, which are among the most vulnerable and exposed countries.

Anchored on the key guiding principles of co-creation and complementarity, IRIS was launched at the World Leaders Summit at COP26 by India, UK, Australia, Jamaica, Mauritius and Fiji. It is a joint platform to facilitate cross learning, sharing and engagement on solutions to infrastructure resilience in SIDS.

Ladies and gentlemen, Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi stands firmly committed to safeguarding the interests of SIDS in a changing climatic regime.

Today we know that climate change is the most crucial of all other environmental challenges. Without cumulative emissions in check, success with other environmental challenges, even if they are achieved, will not carry lasting value.

India is committed to both domestic action and multilateral cooperation on climate change. We will continue to fight all global environmental concerns in the call to protect humanity’s planetary home. But global warming also warns us that equity and international cooperation, leaving no one behind, hold the key to success, where those most fortunate must lead the way. No nation can undertake this journey alone. Right understanding, right thought and co-operative action – these need to set our path for the next decisive half a century.

Friends,

IPCC’s AR6 Reports tell us clearly that the responsibility for warming is directly proportional to the contribution to cumulative emissions of CO2. All CO2 emissions, whenever they take place, contribute equally to warming.

IPCC Reports and all other best available science also show that India is among those countries with high vulnerability to climate change. So, we are very sympathetic to the situation of the island states and others. India, with over 7500 km of coastline and more than 1000 islands in the surrounding seas, and a large coastal population dependent on the sea for lives and livelihoods, is also a highly vulnerable nation on the global scale. Just to give an example, between 1995 – 2020, India recorded 1058 climatic disaster events. 

Considering per capita emissions, for an objective scale for comparison, India’s emissions are, even today, about one-third of the global average. If the entire world were to emit at the same per capita level as India, the best available science tells that there would be no climate crisis.

I am confident that today’s meeting will focus on the long-term vision of implementing IRIS projects. The vision decided here will help in providing an opportunity for SIDS to address their most pressing infrastructure challenges by converging resources and capacities.

Ladies and Gentlemen, through IRIS, India is putting to action its belief in Vasudeva Kutumbakam – the world is one family- and showing its commitment to address climate change with partners to make a better and safer planet for all.

Towards the end, I would like to conclude by quoting Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi who have effectively conveyed the essence of IRIS. He said and I quote –

“CDRI or IRIS is not just a matter of infrastructure, but it is part of the most sensitive responsibility of human welfare. It is the collective responsibility of all of us towards mankind. It is, in a way, a common atonement for our sins”

About CDRI and IRIS

The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) was launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister in September 2019 at New York. It aims to promote the resilience of new and existing infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks in support of sustainable development. CDRI promotes rapid development of resilient infrastructure to respond to the Sustainable Development Goals’ imperatives of expanding universal access to basic services, enabling prosperity and decent work

Government of India has supported the Coalition in the creation and operationalization of IRIS since its design phase. Through IRIS, Government of India aims to support SIDS across the globe in making their new and existing infrastructure resilient to disaster and climate risks.

14-Nov-2022: Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Intervenes at High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on Climate Finance at COP 27

Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav intervened at a High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on Climate Finance at COP 27 today. In his intervention, he said-

" Access to Finance and Technology in developing countries is a must-have if we expect to protect our earth and ourselves from apocalyptic changes. The commitment made by the developed countries to mobilize $100 b from diverse sources by 2020 was a meager amount and remains unachieved till now.  The current needs of developing countries are estimated to be in the order of trillions.

There are several estimates of climate finance. The OECD estimates the flows to be USD83.3 billion in 2020 and USD79.9 billion in 2018, while Oxfam estimates the mobilized amount to be USD19-22.5 billion per year in 2017-18. Other estimates from UNFCCC, are USD45.4 billion in 2017 and USD51.8 billion in 2018.   Evidently, there is no understanding of what really comprises climate finance. Transparency and Trust are the backbones of all multilateral discussions. Having a clear definition of climate finance will promote transparency and trust, vital for furthering constructive deliberations. While we take note of the work carried out by the Standing Committee on Finance, there is a need to further work in arriving at a meaningful definition of climate finance.

High transaction costs for accessing project preparation grants and considerable co-financing requirements from the developing country need to be addressed. Slow disbursements, lack of flexibility to adapt to changing requirements, and long complex approval procedures with stringent eligibility criteria make difficult access to climate finance difficult. It is not the absence of a bankable project pipeline, but the procedures, inflexibility in approach, and lack of trust with respect to direct access entities that is a problem.

The new collective quantified goal for the period post-2025 needs to be an ambitious mobilization target at grant/concessional term. We require an ambitious flow of financial resources from various sources- public and private with the developed countries playing a pivotal role in incentivizing flows to the developing countries so that finance-the key means of implementation- is at grant/concessional rates. The Nationally Determined Contributions and the Needs determination reports could be a good basis to estimate the requirement. We are also of the view that action to improve the functioning of the financial mechanism to enable access is also critical.

There is only a small window of opportunity to rectify a problem that has accumulated over the centuries. It is really time for concerted action if we want to curtail temperature rise to sustain life.”

14-Nov-2022:  "In our LiFEtime" Campaign launched by India at COP 27, Sharm El-Sheikh

National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), under the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), jointly launched “In Our LiFEtime” campaign to encourage youth between the ages of 18 to 23 years to become message bearers of sustainable lifestyles. This campaign envisions to recognize youth from around the world taking climate action initiatives that resonate with the concept of LiFE. This was launched in a side event at the India Pavilion at COP 27, Sharm El-Sheikh.

Addressing the gathering at the India Pavilion at COP 27, Shri Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister for Environment Forest and Climate Change said, “One of the key stakeholders are the youth of today. Developing an understanding of the LiFE among the younger generations is essential for fostering responsible consumption patterns and influencing the lifestyle choices of the generations to come to make them Pro-Planet-People.”

The campaign gives a global call for ideas from youth across the world who are passionate about living environment conscious lives. The youth will be encouraged to submit their climate actions that contribute to lifestyles for the environment within their capacity, which are sustainable and scalable, and serve as good practices that can be shared globally. For detailed information on the campaign click here.

Speaking on this occasion, Shri Bhupender Yadav  further said-

“Across several regions in India, there are many examples where our youth have demonstrated a strong will to carry forward the centuries old traditions where their daily lifestyles have been respecting, preserving and nurturing environment.

The young people are adept at popularising new habits; embracing technologies and are best placed to contribute to the fight against climate change. The youth need to make low- carbon career choices and adopt such lifestyles as a part of their everyday life.

I strongly feel that youth should be encouraged to take an active part in the decision-making at local, national and global levels. They can actively support initiatives that will lead to the passage of far-reaching legislation.

In Our LiFEtime campaign is a great way to encourage youth to become the ambassadors of sustainable lifestyle practices and grow into leaders that lead the way in biodiversity conservation and natural resource management.

The campaign will involve more youth in the conversation about climate change, adaptation and mitigation, and provide them a platform to share their concerns, issues and solutions with the leaders of the world.

It will amplify the voices of the youth who are increasingly climate conscious and provide recognition to young climate champions.

I look forward to hearing about the climate action journey and stories of change brought about by young people from around the world, and I hope that they inspire their families, communities, and citizens across the globe to become active participants in our journey towards net zero.”

14-Nov-2022: Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Intervenes at the Ministerial High Level Roundtable on Pre 2030 Ambition at COP 27

Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav intervened at the Ministerial High-Level Roundtable on pre 2030 ambition at COP 27 today. In his intervention, he said-

“Let me, at the beginning, present some of our views in a broad sense. And then I will turn to the details.

The title of our Roundtable itself must be properly understood. Pre-2030 must be clarified. How far back does pre-2030 go? In our view, pre-2030 in this sense is no different from pre-2020. It is the historical cumulative emissions before a given year that measures responsibility. So our consideration must include pre-2020 responsibility and whether pre-2020 commitments have been fulfilled. It cannot begin at 2020.

Our understanding is that the Annex-I Parties have not met their pre-2020 commitments together and several individually as well. But the real question, according to the best science, is the cumulative emissions until 2030. So pre- 2030 ambition must be measured in terms of whether countries are staying within their fair share of the carbon budget, taking note of both the historical period and in the future. By this scientific criterion some developed countries must reach net zero even before 2030 and 2050 is not enough at all. So, this is where we must begin talking about opportunities for ambition.

1. Opportunities for ambition
   1. The opportunities for ambition vary across Parties. This we must recognize. If not, our efforts to increase ambition from those who have little to give, will only result in inaction. Developed countries must take the lead – after all the bulk of both finance and technology transfer is available with them. The Convention and the Paris Agreement both recognize this, but we have not had adequate action.
   2. Second, increasing ambition requires public action. Leaving it to markets alone will not help. Markets do not function well in normal times, but either do not function or function very inequitably in moments of crisis. We see this with the energy crisis in developed countries. For developing countries, public action includes public sources of climate finance and technology. These are essential.
   3. Third, the right sectors must be identified for ambition. To target small farmers for mitigation in the name of ambition would be a serious mistake. As in India, if in developing countries, if we target domestic and public lighting, and increasing use of clean fuel to replace biomass, we can achieve some significant gains in low- carbon development.
2. Barriers
   1. The term barriers imply something that has to be crossed and after that matters will proceed smoothly. For developing countries, accelerated low-carbon development is the route to ambition. This is a continuous process. This takes time, human and financial resources and sustained economic growth. So, it is not simply barriers but all three conditions have to be present consistently for low-carbon development to be achieved.
   2. Here the failure to deliver financial resources to developing countries is an enormous failure. Calling for ambition from developing countries is not meaningful if the time required from low-carbon development is not recognized. Unfortunately, with every decade, with every new agreement, with every new scientific report, more and more action is demanded from developing countries. If goalposts are changed constantly, it will not yield results but only words and promises.
3. Paris Agreement Update Mechanism
   1. This is yet another instance where there is a constant shifting of the goalposts. The Paris Agreement has just begun implementation, and that too after the lost years of COVID. The first Global Stock take is underway and will conclude next year. So why is there any need to start talking of the adequacy of the provisions of the Paris Agreement? Of course, provision of the means of implementation under para 5 of Article 4 will help raise ambition. But there is also the question of whether technology is available and ready and whether it can be deployed at reasonable cost. If this cannot be done, but ambition is forced, then the growth will be restricted in developing countries.
   2. And yet again the question is being directed at developing countries. Why? Article 4, para 11 is sufficient for developed countries. The real issue is that the increased effort required is not happening. If the effort is not there, new agreements or new amendments or new protocols will not solve the problem.
4. Just Transition
   1. Just transition in developing countries is simply about enabling of low-carbon development. It cannot be about an early start to decarbonization in any sector, though decarbonizing various sectors as and when feasible will arise sometime in the future. This will be detrimental to both the overriding priority of achieving the SDG goals by 2030 and subsequent development.
   2. Fossil fuels will continue to be part of a rational use of natural resources to protect energy security. Support for just transition means increased support for the deployment of renewables, increased support for the development of renewable technologies and means to cope with the costs of such development and the deployment of such technologies.
5. Usefulness of the Roundtable
   1. Meetings of this kind, discussions such as this Roundtable are useful to explore and increase our understanding of each other’s views and create pathways for cooperation. But we must find ways forward for action. In a COP for Implementation this is very important.

13-Nov-2022: Secretary MoEFCC Participates in a panel discussion on building Resilient Infrastructure for the Future at the Egyptian Pavilion at COP 27

Secretary Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change, Smt Leena Nandan Participated in a panel discussion on building Resilient Infrastructure for the Future. The event was organised by CDRI at the Egyptian Pavilion at COP 27, yesterday.

H.E Dr Ahmed Kamal, Deputy Minister of Planning and Economic Development, the Arab Republic of Egypt initiated the discussion by saying that agenda for 2030 requires investment in resilient infrastructure. He shared that African countries are facing debt due to a vanishing fiscal space. He emphasised that investments in infrastructure need to be made and need to be inclusive. Stating that infrastructure in Africa has improved both in terms of quantity and quality, he said that lot of investments have been made in mitigation and adaptation projects which puts additional burden on Egypt’s budget. The Deputy Minister spoke about the need to bring private investment on board to assist the governments. He also said that Egypt is endowed with natural resources and solar and wind are being used for green energy. The Deputy Minister also emphasised on the need for localisation that is to see the development gaps and focus on localisation  so that no one is left behind.

Speaking during the discussion Secretary MoEFCC, Government of India said that India needs to care for the aspirations of 1billion people. The challenge is to work towards fulfilling these aspirations and fulfilling the commitments to ensure climate action for a sustainable future. She took the opportunity to reiterate that India has set targets, achieved those targets in advance and set further targets along with building coalitions like CDRI. She said that she agreed with the Deputy Minister that there is a need for private capital to flow into adaptation process. Mitigation, she said, is one part of the story- why should adaptation be its poor cousin. Countries are responding to the imperative challenge of Climate Change but the issue of Finance remains. Action plans backed by fund flow need to be in place. Time for action has come, she said.

Ms. Ahuna Eziakonwa, assistant Secretary General, Assistant Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa, UNDP; Ms. Ekhosuehi Iyahen, Secretary General of the Insurance Development forum; Mr. Aromar Revi, Director, Indian institute of Human settlements were among those invited for the discussion. Mr. Kamal Kishore, Member Secretary, National Disaster Management authority Government of India and Co-chair of CDRI’s Executive Committee moderated the session.

The session was aimed at gathering insights on strengthening infrastructure resilience to ensure that today’s investments meet the challenges of tomorrow.

13-Nov-2022: Secretary MoEFCC Participates in a Session on Long Term Strategy on Adaptation and Adaptation Readiness in India at India Pavilion

Secretary Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change, Smt Leena Nandan delivered her special remarks at a session on ‘Long Term Strategy on Adaptation and Adaptation Readiness in India’, organised by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) at the India Pavilion at COP27 today.

Underscoring the imperative need for finance for adaptation, Ms. Leena Nandan, Secretary, pointed out that developing a global baseline to enhance transparency and investor confidence is a crucial measure in enhancing adaptation readiness.

Noting that adaptation must be at the forefront of development interventions, Ms. Nandan said, “The institutional arrangement, the action plan and resource mobilization, all have to walk hand-in-hand and see the macro picture through the same lens.” During her address, the Secretary strongly emphasised on the need for information dissemination to strengthen communities for adaptation. When we talk about PPP, we need to redefine it as Pro Planet People, a clarion call given by Prime Minister, she said. We should be able to move in the right direction in a planned and integrated manner. We are cognizant of the challenges that confront us, now is the time for action, she concluded.

Observing that 90 per cent of disasters are related to weather and climate change, Mr. Kamal Kishore, Member Secretary, NDMA, and Indian Co Chair, CDRI Executive Committee, emphasized that disaster risk reduction can inform adaptation work. Mr. Kishore observed that along with better forecast systems, a deeper engagement with the communities has been the key to disaster risk reduction. He also emphasized the need to update risk assessments.

Emphasising on the need to assess risks sensibly and robustly, Ms. Dipa Bagai, Head India Office, NRDC, said, “We need the heat action plans to be implemented with much more alacrity, sensitivity and resources in all the states. Making a good plan is only part of the solution. The important part is that we are able to exercise that solution.”

Taking part in the discussion, Ms. Mardi McBrien, Director of Strategic Alliances, International Sustainability Standard Board (ISSB) said that the board is set out to create one global standard, a global baseline for a global standard of sustainability to develop investors’ confidence and for reporting material, climate and sustainability information to capital markets. ‘It will help move the money from the Global North to developing and emerging economies to help finance the mitigation and adaptation solution,” Ms. McBrien added.

Pointing out the need for adaptation mechanisms to be just and inclusive, Ms. Rinika Grover, Head Sustainability & CSR, Apollo Tyres, said, “We cannot leave any strata of the community at risk.”

Noting that the extreme weather events witnessed in the past couple of years have been an eye-opener to the deadly impacts of climate change and the urgent need for adaptation, Dr Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI, in her welcome address, said, “When it comes to adaptation it is necessary to look into all sectors including food production.”

Identifying the three areas which demand attention in order to enhance the adaptive readiness of India to tackle climate change, Mr. RR Rashmi, Distinguished Fellow, TERI, said “It is important to assess the climate risks and vulnerability very clearly; then enhance the adaptative capacity of communities and states to deal with the risks, and finally, the resources.”

A presentation on ‘Adaptation Readiness and Long Term Strategy on Adaptation in India’ was also made by TERI at the event.

11-Nov-2022: Secretary MoEFCC participates in a Panel Discussion on “Technology Needs Assessment for Sustainable Life” at the India Pavilion at COP 27

Department of Science and Technology hosted a Panel Discussion on “Technology Needs Assessment for Sustainable Life” at the India Pavilion at COP 27 to identify technology needs and their assessment for adoption for sustainable wellbeing of global citizens in future.  Speaking at the discussion the Secretary, MoEFCC, Ms. Leena Nandan said that what India and the world need today is technology. Climate change is not an issue confined to those who are seen as emitters. There is now a realization and larger and uniform understanding that Climate change cannot be wished away. It is knocking at our door.

She further said that climate change has led to devastation in the form of several nature based occurrences. Our lifestyles need to change to respond to the challenges that we are facing, said Ms. Leena Nandan. She said that our discussions need to now focus on bridging the gaps between what we want to achieve and how to achieve it. Secretary MoEFCC said that science is there but how to apply this science and knowledge to our activities needs to be processed. Speaking in the context of technologies in road construction she said that one size fits all cannot apply to India due to India’s huge diversity. Technology needs assessment is different for different states. Terrain diversity forces states to find their respective solutions. The Secretary also spoke about Circular economy. Reduce, reuse, recycle, restore and refurbish. All R’s need the T that is technology, she said. She urged DST to engage with state governments to come up with innovative solutions.

Secretary MoEFCC reiterated the need to work through silos and also stated that technology cannot remain confined to big players due to their access to finance. MSMEs and startups need to be enabled to access finance to use technology optimally.

“We need to add our bits in the larger picture only then as a country we could say that we have taken decisive steps to tackle Climate Change”, concluded the Secretary.

Executive Director, Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC), Prof Pradeep Srivastava spoke about de carbonising initiatives of TIFAC  . Dr. Rajesh Kr. Pathak, Secretary, TDB spoke about Technology Transfer and Commercialisation and Dr. Rajeev Garg, CTCN spoke about Technology transfer mechanism at the event.  Mr. Menghanai Vijay Sr. Chief Engineer, CEA, Prof. Geeta Rai Associate Professor Banaras Hindu University(BHU) were also among the panelists. Dr. Nisha Mendiratta Advisor &Head, Climate Change Programme (CCP),  DST was also present during the discussions. 

Background:

Climate change is a global concern and countries are taking concerted actions to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in its 6th Assessment Report (August 9, 2021) observed that climate change is widespread, rapid and intensifying and it may cross 1.5o C threshold line by as early as 2040 unless serious efforts are taken by all countries. This calls for a synergistic efforts by all nations to control demands on resources so that imbalanced demand-supply scenario is addressed appropriately towards sustainability.

The concept of sustainable living qualifies for meeting the present ecological, societal, and economical needs without compromising with the needs for future generations. A decent life, demands 24x7 electricity, potable water, adequate Food & Nutrition and a sustainable habitat. The biggest challenge is to deliver these basic needs in a sustainable manner. Here, technology has the potential to play a critical role in maintaining sustainability in this ecosystem.

Department of Science & Technology (DST), in association with Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC), conducted the panel discussion  under the overall theme ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ involving experts from Academia, Industry and Scientists of DST and TIFAC in order to identify the technology needs which are to be adapted by the relevant stakeholders. The Indian best practices in all fields were also showcased for further discussions with the international community.

7-Nov-2022: Union Minister for Environment Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav speaks at the Middle East Green Initiative Summit 2022 at COP 27 Egypt

Speaking at the Middle East Green Initiative Summit 2022 on the sidelines of COP 27, Sharm El-Sheikh, the Union Minister for Environment Forest and Climate change Shri Bhupender Yadav said:

“I would like to compliment Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Arab Republic of Egypt for hosting the Middle East Green Initiative Summit 2022 on the sidelines of COP 27 which brings the nations from around the world together under one roof, and seeks to create infrastructure needed to reduce emissions and protect the environment.

I had the opportunity to deliver a statement during the Middle Eastern Green Initiative Summit 2021 held at Riyadh. The theme of the initiative was “Succeeding the Transition to Green Economies: The Role of Sustainable Finance”. I had spoken on the issues of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, India’s steps to mainstream Sustainable Development Goals and the issue of climate finance.

It has been a year since the last meet at Riyadh. India has, in the meantime, highlighted the role of people on this planet to achieve the goals of combating climate change. India has come to COP 27 with hopes and expectations for speedy and effective implementations of enhanced commitments of the nations to make tangible differences in the lives of the most vulnerable people.

I understand, various initiatives undertaken by the Middle East Green Initiative, relate directly to encouraging sustainable consumption practices like planting of 50 billion trees across the Middle East that lead to employment opportunities and strengthening the resilience of countries.

In October 2021, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy announced the goal of becoming the world’s largest Hydrogen Producer. The kingdom’s vast hydrocarbon resources, existing industrial capacities and business expertise makes it an attractive supplier to energy import-dependent countries.

The Arab Republic of Egypt is developing a Green Ammonia facility to be used as bunker fuel to serve the Suez Canal Maritime traffic. The efforts of Egyptian Governments in establishing green fuel production in the country in the pursuit of net-zero shipping is worth appreciating.

Excellencies,

India is committed towards clean and green energy source and National Hydrogen Mission is a leap in that direction.  On the environment friendly energy source and target of Net Zero, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has mentioned and I quote

“Through the National Hydrogen Mission, India has moved towards an environment-friendly energy source. This will help India and many countries of the world to achieve their goal of net zero. India has become a prime example of how progress and nature can go hand in hand. Now that India has also become the fifth largest economy in the world, our forest area is also increasing and the number of wildlife is also increasing.”

As part of the United Nations Decade of Action for attainment of SDGs, India has initiated several measures for promoting Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy, including for prevention and management of waste.

Excellencies,

India has also initiated a number of coalitions such as International Solar Alliance, which is Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision to bring clean and affordable energy within reach of all and I am glad to mention that both Egypt and Saudi Arabia are part of it.

I would also like to mention that India has also initiated Leadership group in Industry transition (Lead IT) track along with Sweden with focus on hard to abate industrial sectors; and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure for easy and faster mobilization of technology, finance and necessary information for Small Island Developing States.

Excellencies, I invite you to join these coalitions to achieve the goals related to climate change which we have assigned to ourselves.

Towards the end, I would like to mention to this august gathering that, we have inaugurated our India Pavilion at COP 27 on the theme of LiFE – Lifestyle for Environment which not only focuses on Global Mission LiFE but also effectively elaborates on various initiatives across different sectors taken by India to tackle Climate Change.

6-Nov-2022: India Pavilion inaugurated at COP 27 by Union Minister of Environment Forest and Climate Change

Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, inaugurated India Pavilion at the 27th Session of Conference of Parties of the UNFCCC (COP 27) Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, today. The Conference of Parties (COP27) is scheduled from 6-18 November, 2022.

Welcoming the delegates from all the countries to India Pavilion, Shri Yadav said that Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi has provided a simple solution to the complex climate change problem. He said that India believes that climate action starts from the grassroots, individual level and hence designed the India Pavilion with the theme of LiFE- Lifestyle for Environment. On this occasion, Shri Yadav also felicitated the COP Young Scholars from India who worked towards Positive Climate Change solutions.

“I am confident that, throughout the duration of COP, India Pavilion will continue to remind the delegates that simple lifestyle and individual practices that are sustainable in nature can help protect Mother Earth,” said the Union Environment Minister Shri Yadav.

“India looks forward to substantial progress in the discussions related to climate finance. We also look forward to the introduction of new technologies, and new collaborations to facilitate technology transfers,” said Shri. Yadav.

“Mission LiFE connects the powers of the people for the protection of this earth and teaches them to utilize it in a better way. Mission LiFE makes the fight against climate change democratic in which everyone can contribute according to his or her capacity. Mission LiFE believes that even small efforts can have a huge impact,” Prime Minister of India Shri. Narendra Modi.

India is hosting a pavilion with the theme of LiFE- Lifestyle for Environment at COP 27. The Pavilion has been designed to send out the message of LiFE through various audio-visuals, Logo, 3D models, set up, décor and side events.

The guiding thought in the design of the pavilion is that for centuries, Indian civilizations have practiced and led sustainable lifestyles. Eco-friendly habits are encoded in the Indian culture. Several practices are rooted in the daily life showing respect for the natural environment. They can prove to be invaluable in our fight against climate change.

This deep-seated knowledge on sustainability passed through generations over a thousand years has led the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi into giving the World a Mantra of LiFE - that aim to have a substantial impact on the health and wellbeing of the planet. LiFE movement is India's contribution to handling global climate crisis. The LiFE movement seeks to transform persons into ‘pro-planet people’, who would adopt sustainable lifestyles in the modern world.

In respect of the Pavilion logo, the color green which is indicative of Green Earth has been used in gradient shades in the logo. The leaf on the periphery represents nature and icons represent how balance and harmony with nature can be achieved through various initiatives of the Government of India. The central part of the logo represents a balanced nature with the Sun encompassing trees, mountains, water and biodiversity. The slogan has been inspired from the core messaging of Life “सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिना” (May everyone be happy)

Shri Bhupender Yadav also attended the ceremonial opening of COP 27 where Egypt took over the COP Presidency from UK.

About Mission LiFE

The Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi gave the mantra of LiFE to the world in 2021 at COP 26 in Glasgow and this movement has since been widely supported by world leaders. India has spearheaded Mission LiFE as a global mass movement that harnesses the power of individual and collective action across the world to address the climate crisis. It aims to resurrect the delicate balance between man and nature by encouraging a shift from mindless and wasteful consumption to mindful and deliberate utilisation to protect and preserve the environment.

Mission LiFE is designed with the objective to mobilise at least one billion Indians and other global citizens to take individual and collective action for protecting and preserving the environment in the period 2022 to 2027. Within India, at least 80% of all villages and urban local bodies are aimed to become environment-friendly by 2028.

4-Nov-2022: Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav to lead Indian delegation to COP 27

Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav will be leading Indian delegation to attend the 27th Session of Conference of Parties of the UNFCCC (COP 27) scheduled to be held at Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt from 6-18 November, 2022.

India is fully engaged with the process and is supportive of the efforts by Government of Egypt for substantive outcomes at COP 27.

In the 56th Session of the Subsidiary Bodies held in June 2022 in Bonn, developing countries made it clear that UNFCCC is the centre of the collective and multilateral response to the issue of climate change. There must be a faithful, balanced and comprehensive implementation of the Convention and the Paris Agreement, in accordance with its goals and principles.

India looks forward to substantial progress on the discussions related to climate finance and clarity on its definition. As it is a saying that “what gets measured gets done”, more clarity is needed on the definition of climate finance for the developing countries to be able to accurately assess the extent of finance flows for climate action. While the Standing Committee on finance will submit a report on the various definitions, we hope to have good deliberations on this to arrive at a common understanding. The interpretation of the term must be in line with the commitments made by the countries on climate finance in the Convention and its Paris Agreement.

The goal of USD100 billion per year of climate finance by 2020 and every year thereafter through till 2025 is yet to be achieved. Due to lack of common understanding, several estimates of what has flown as climate finance are available. While the promised amount must be reached as quickly as possible, there is a need now to substantially enhance the ambition to ensure adequate resource flow under the new quantified goal post-2024.

The discussion on the new collective quantified goal in the ad-hoc working group must focus on the quantity of the resource flow and also on the quality and scope. Issues relating to access to and suggestions for improvement in the function of the financial mechanisms are also important. Besides this, improvement in transparency to ensure appropriate oversight of the quantum and direction of flows is imperative. The Ad hoc working group must provide advice/ suggestions covering all the above aspects.

Strengthening of the financial mechanisms of UNFCCC and its operating entities is imperative to meet the climate finance delivery goals. There needs to be a greater discussion on this as resources available to them should be utilized well. The SCF could also play an important role in assessing the shortcomings and may suggest appropriate measures to address them.

The Egyptian Presidency of COP27, which is also a member of the Like Minded Developing Countries, has rightfully named COP 27 as the COP of “Implementation”. India welcomes this step as over the last twelve months the world has seen the widening gap between the statements by developed countries at COP 26 in Glasgow and the reality of their actions.

India will support the Egyptian Presidency, for a plan of action that answers the needs of developing countries. Adaptation and loss and damage are two issues at the centre of attention, and a progress on these two issues will complement each other.

Loss and damage must also be on the agenda of COP27 and there must be specific progress on the issue of loss and damage finance. The existing financial mechanisms, like GEF, GCF and Adaptation Fund, under the Convention have not been able to mobilise or deliver funds for loss and damage due to climate change. These mechanisms are under-funded; accessing funding is cumbersome and time-consuming; and most of the funding is for mitigation. Adaptation funding is highly inadequate and loss and damage funding is perhaps none at all.

These are the circumstances based on which G77 and China has proposed adoption of an agenda item on loss and damage finance. It is the time that this issue is accorded prominence on the climate agenda that it rightfully deserves.

On the Global Goal on Adaptation, there needs to be significant progress on actions, indicators and metrics. There must not be any hidden agenda of mitigation, especially in the form of nature-based solutions, in the name of co-benefits.

The Work Programme on Enhanced Ambition in Mitigation and Implementation cannot be allowed to change the goal posts set by the Paris Agreement. The GST process and the other mechanisms of the Paris Agreement, including enhanced NDCs and submission of the long-term low emissions development strategies, are sufficient. In the Mitigation Work Programme best practices, new technologies and new modes of collaboration for technology transfer and capacity building may be discussed fruitfully.

On the issue of finance, a discussion on Article 2.1 (c), a sub-clause of article 2, cannot be opened as a standalone COP27 agenda item at this stage. Article 2(1) (c) has to be read in conjunction with entire article 2 as well as article 9 on climate finance. Reaching the USD 100 billion per year goal must come first, and the developed countries must be asked to show the roadmap for the same.

India will emphasize again on its invitation to all countries to join the LiFE movement – Lifestyle for Environment, a pro-people and pro-planet effort that seeks to shift the world from mindless and wasteful consumption to mindful and deliberate utilization of natural resources.

India is committed to both domestic action and multilateral cooperation on climate change, and will continue to fight all global environmental concerns in the call to protect humanity’s planetary home. But global warming also warns that equity and international cooperation, leaving no one behind, hold the key to success, where the most fortunate must lead the way.