Q. Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference?

Model Answer: 

The 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow culminated in the “Glasgow Climate Pact,” aiming to keep the 1.5°C global warming target alive.

Major Global Outcomes of COP26

• Phase-Down of Coal: Marked the first explicit UN climate agreement to “phase down” unabated coal power and inefficient fossil fuel subsidies.
• Paris Rulebook Completion: Finalized mechanisms under Article 6, establishing a robust, transparent framework for global carbon markets.
• Deforestation Pledge: Over 100 nations (Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration) committed to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030.
• Methane Emission Reduction: Led by the US and EU, the Global Methane Pledge aims to cut methane emissions by 30% by 2030.
• Adaptation Finance: Urged developed countries to at least double their collective provision of climate adaptation finance by 2025.
• Loss and Damage: Established the “Glasgow Dialogue” to discuss funding arrangements for averting and addressing climate-induced loss and damage.

India’s Commitments at COP26

India asserted its climate leadership by introducing the ambitious ‘Panchamrit’ (Five Nectars) strategy and supplementary initiatives:

• Non-Fossil Capacity: Increase non-fossil energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030.
• Renewable Energy Share: Meet 50% of the country’s total energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030.
• Absolute Emission Reduction: Reduce total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes between 2021 and 2030.
• Carbon Intensity: Reduce the carbon intensity of the economy by more than 45% by 2030 (over 2005 levels).
• Net Zero Target: Achieve the ultimate target of Net Zero carbon emissions by the year 2070.
• LiFE Movement: Proposed the “Lifestyle for Environment” campaign to promote mindful, sustainable consumption over mindless utilization.

India’s ‘Panchamrit’ pledges highlight its proactive climate stewardship. However, realizing these global and national goals heavily depends on equitable technology transfer and fulfilling historical climate finance commitments (CBDR-RC).