Syllabus: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
Current Climate Situation
- Ten years after Paris Agreement (COP21), the planet faces unprecedented challenges despite global pledges.
- Emissions and temperatures continue rising at alarming rates threatening climate stability globally.
- Climate change devastating consequences visible in India: Uttarakhand, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir this year.
Paris Agreement Impact
- Before Paris Agreement: world heading towards 4°C-5°C warming by century’s end catastrophically.
- Through sustained commitment, collective action altered warming trajectory to approximately 2°C-3°C showing progress.
- Far above sustainable levels per IPCC but demonstrates collective action and multilateralism can work.
- Paris Agreement fair, just, promotes international solidarity respecting national circumstances with differentiated commitments.
Energy Transition Progress
- Ten years ago: fossil fuels most competitive energy production; no longer the case today.
- Renewable energies (wind, solar, hydroelectricity) now driving growth, jobs worldwide ensuring energy security/sovereignty.
- Electric vehicles represent ~20% global new car sales; battery technology advances revolutionizing transport sector.
- Drastic reduction of fossil fuels in transport with co-benefits like clean air in cities.
International Solar Alliance (ISA)
- Conceived at COP21 Paris; jointly launched by PM Modi and French President François Hollande.
- ISA: 120+ member/signatory countries delivering results through capacity building, training, financial mechanisms.
- France’s Special Envoy co-chaired ISA Eighth Assembly (October 28, 2025) with India’s Minister Pralhad Joshi.
- ISA mission: make solar energy accessible to all promoting equitable renewable energy adoption.
India’s Renewable Energy Commitment
- India aims more than half renewable energy from solar sources by 2047 target.
- Become largest major economy developing using low-carbon pathway fulfilling “Viksit Bharat” vision by 2047.
- Achieve net-zero carbon emission by 2070 as long-term climate commitment ambitious goal.
- 2025: India achieved 50% installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources five years ahead of 2030 target.
COP30 Priorities (Belém)
- Raise global ambition accelerating carbon emission reductions; current efforts insufficient for future safety.
- Champion just, inclusive transition placing vulnerable communities at core; France devotes one-third climate finance to adaptation.
- Protect natural carbon sinks: forests, mangroves, oceans from Amazon to Sundarbans fighting climate change.
- Empower non-state actors: local governments, businesses, scientists, philanthropies, citizens translating ambition into implementation tangibly.
- Defend science supporting IPCC, fighting climate disinformation; facts/science, not fear guide global transition.
Conclusion
- Transformation initiated in Paris unstoppable: adaptation necessity, industries investing irreversibly, local authorities embedding sustainability.
- Multilateralism will continue delivering if world continues believing in collective climate action frameworks.
