Syllabus: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Background: Operationalisation of Article 6
- Article 6 carbon markets were fully operationalised at COP29 to enhance climate finance efficiency.
- As per A6 Implementation Partnership, 89 cooperation arrangements exist across 58 Parties.
- Adoption of Article 6.4 Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism marked transition from CDM to a robust framework.
- In August 2025, India signed the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM), operationalising Article 6.2.
Significance of Article 6 for India
- Article 6 enables bilateral and plurilateral cooperation for emissions reduction transfers.
- It ensures rigorous accounting and prevents double counting of mitigation outcomes.
- For India, A6 offers access to advanced technologies, R&D support, and climate finance.
- It strengthens bilateral relations and supports socio-economic transformation aligned with climate goals.
- Beyond carbon credit revenues, A6 can drive low-carbon industrial and technological transition.
India’s Strategic Sectoral Focus
- India identified 13 eligible activities balancing developmental needs and climate objectives.
- Priority sectors include renewable energy with storage, offshore wind, and solar thermal power.
- Other sectors include green hydrogen, compressed bio-gas, and sustainable aviation fuel.
- Emerging mobility solutions like fuel cells and high-end energy efficiency technologies are covered.
- Carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) targets hard-to-abate sectors like cement.
- These choices align with deep decarbonisation and long-term sustainable growth objectives.
From Intent to Implementation: Key Challenges
- India has appointed a Designated National Authority, but detailed operational rules are pending.
- Clear rules are needed for Letters of Authorisation and corresponding adjustments.
- Project approvals are slow, with voluntary projects taking over 1,600 days in India.
- A single-window clearance system is essential for Article 6 projects.
Way Forward
- Build a domestic removals market for biochar and enhanced rock weathering.
- Use Article 6 to strengthen South–South cooperation and shared climate systems.
- Article 6 is a strategic tool for technology access, finance mobilisation, and global partnerships.
