22 Sep 2023 CLIMATE ACTION SUMMIT
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “CLIMATE ACTION SUMMIT ”. This topic has relevance in the Environment section of the UPSC CSE exam.
For Prelims:
About the Summit?
For Mains:
GS 3: Environment
Climate Ambition Summit Overview?
Why in the news:
China, United States and India, the top three emitters in that order were all absent from the recently held Climate Action Summit 2023
About the Summit
- Significance of Global Emissions: China, the United States, and India rank among the world’s top three greenhouse gas emitters, collectively contributing to around 42% of global emissions. Their actions and commitments are pivotal in the global fight against climate change.
- Purpose of the Summit: The Climate Action Summit (CAS) was convened by the United Nations to showcase leaders who have credible strategies, policies, and plans for addressing climate change. Its objective is to uphold the Paris Agreement’s target of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
- Limited Participation: Despite the summit’s significance, only 34 countries and seven institutions were granted speaking slots during the event. Notably, neighboring countries of India, such as Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Pakistan, were among the speakers, along with other emerging economies.
- Criteria for Participation: Countries seeking speaking opportunities at the summit had to present updated pre-2030 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), net-zero objectives, plans for transitioning to renewable energy, strategies for phasing out fossil fuels, renewable energy targets, Green Climate Fund commitments, and plans for adaptation and resilience. This indicates a high threshold for participation.
- Future Commitments: The summit urged all major emitters, including the G-20 nations, to commit to more ambitious NDCs that encompass absolute emissions reductions and cover all greenhouse gases by 2025.
- India’s Climate Pledges: In 2022, India revised its climate commitments, aiming to reduce emissions intensity by 45% compared to 2005 levels by 2030. Additionally, the government pledged to source 50% of its electricity from renewable, non-fossil fuel sources and increase carbon sequestration through afforestation efforts.
Climate Ambition Summit Overview:
Urgency of Climate Action:
- IPCC’s latest assessment underscores the need for immediate, substantial greenhouse gas emissions reductions.
- Despite significant damage, emissions remain at record levels.
- Urgent action required to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
Climate Justice and Equity:
- Acknowledgment that those least responsible for the crisis suffer its most severe impacts.
- Calls for immediate support from governments and international financial institutions for vulnerable communities.
Multisectoral Participation:
- Summit aimed to accelerate climate action by uniting governments, businesses, financial institutions, local authorities, and civil society.
- Recognized the necessity of collective global effort for a transition to a renewable-energy-based, climate-resilient global economy.
Three Acceleration Tracks:
Ambition Track:
- Government leaders, especially major emitters, expected to present updated pre-2030 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and net-zero targets.
- Encouraged to commit to energy transition plans excluding new coal, oil, and gas projects, with fossil fuel phase-out plans and ambitious renewable energy targets.
- Focus on Green Climate Fund pledges and adaptation/resilience plans.
- Urged all main emitters and G20 governments to commit to more ambitious economy-wide NDCs with absolute emissions cuts by 2025.
Credibility Track:
- Business, city, region, and financial leaders tasked with aligning transition plans with a UN-backed credibility standard (“Integrity Matters” report).
- Standard includes net-zero pledges fully aligned with the 1.5°C target, specific requirements (2025 and 2030 targets, scope 3 emissions, fossil fuel phase-out, genuine emissions reductions without offsets, and science-based climate action advocacy).
Implementation Track:
- Leaders from various sectors to present existing/emerging implementation partnerships for decarbonizing high-emitting sectors (e.g., energy, shipping, aviation, steel, cement).
- Focus on partnerships addressing climate justice (international financial system reform, early warning systems for adaptation and loss and damage).
Download Yojna daily current affairs eng med 22nd Sep 2023
Q.1 Consider the following statements:
- China, United States and India are the top three emitters of Greenhouse Gases (GHG)
- India is third highest emitter in Per Capita terms
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
ANSWER: A
Q.2 Consider the following statements:
- India is aiming to reduce emissions intensity by 70% compared to 2005 levels by 2030
- India has committed to become a Net Zero emitter by 2070.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
ANSWER: B
Q.3 Discuss the significance of international climate summits in the context of global efforts to combat climate change. How can countries, particularly major emitters, contribute effectively to ac hieving the goals set forth in these summits?
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