At the 30th Conference of Parties (CoP30) to the UNFCCC in Belem, Brazil, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav delivered India’s National Statement, emphasizing the need for the summit to be remembered as a “COP of Implementation” and a “COP of Delivery on Promises”. Yadav thanked the Government and people of Brazil for hosting the event in the Amazon, which he described as a symbol of the planet’s ecological wealth. He urged developed countries to increase their climate ambitions and fulfill their commitments, including reaching net zero emissions earlier than current target dates and providing new, additional, and concessional climate finance on a scale of trillions, rather than billions.
Yadav highlighted India’s progress in reducing its emission intensity by over 36% since 2005, while also increasing its non-fossil fuel sources to over 50% of its total installed power capacity. He noted that India has achieved its NDC target five years ahead of the 2030 deadline and will submit its revised NDCs through 2035, along with its first Biennial Transparency Report, on schedule. The Minister also showcased India’s global leadership in initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and the Global Biofuel Alliance, which are driving progress towards achieving Net Zero by 2070.
The Minister emphasized the need for affordable and accessible climate technologies, calling for the removal of restrictive intellectual property barriers. He also highlighted the importance of conserving carbon sinks, citing the example of a community-led initiative that has planted over 2 billion saplings in just 16 months. Yadav concluded his statement by reaffirming India’s commitment to climate justice and global cooperation, calling for the next decade to be one of implementation, resilience, and shared responsibility.
Overall, India’s statement at CoP30 emphasized the need for urgent action and cooperation to address the climate crisis, while also highlighting the country’s own progress and leadership in the field. The Minister’s call for developed countries to increase their climate ambitions and provide adequate finance and technology support is likely to resonate with other developing countries, and will be an important aspect of the ongoing negotiations at CoP30.