Why India got angry at COP29 climate change meeting, inside story

New Delhi : Developing countries, led by India, have criticized COP29 for inadequate progress on climate finance and pressure to increase commitments without support. India expressed growing frustration among developing countries at the COP29 conference in Baku. The Indian representative said that we are very concerned about the progress made during the last week. We have not seen any progress on issues that are important for developing countries. India said that our part of the world is facing some of the worst impacts of climate change. There is little ability to recover from impacts or adapt to changes in the climate system for which we are not responsible. India expressed deep concern over the reluctance of developed countries to engage in meaningful discussions regarding support of climate initiatives in developing countries.

Need for financial, technical assistance

Along with this, it was also mentioned that adequate financial and technical assistance is required to deal with climate change. India, during the concluding session of the event, noted how developed nations have consistently postponed climate action despite their historical responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions and excess resources. India’s Deputy Chief Negotiator Nilesh Shah said that we have not seen any progress (over the last week) on matters important to developing countries.

Methane rising from tropical wetlands

Researchers tracking methane emissions say the world’s tropical wetlands are releasing more of the gas than before, which is an alarming sign. The world’s climate goals are falling further and further out of reach. Rob Jackson, an environmental scientist at Stanford University, said methane concentrations are not only increasing, but faster than at any time in the last five years. Wetlands contain vast stores of carbon in the form of dead plant matter, which is slowly broken down by soil microorganisms.

bad effects of climate change

Sah said our part of the world is facing some of the worst impacts of climate change. It has little capacity to recover from impacts or adapt to changes in the climate system for which we are not responsible. Sah clarified that the climate change program should act as a support mechanism and not a system that imposes penalties. Furthermore, each country’s sovereignty must be respected in setting climate targets based on its specific needs and circumstances.

he/she said that without proper implementation support, including financial assistance, technology and capacity building, developing and low income group countries cannot effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions or adapt to the impacts of climate change. The Indian negotiator said how can we discuss climate action when our challenges in dealing with the impacts of climate change are increasing, while it has been made impossible for us to act?

Developed countries are constantly changing targets

India pointed out that despite having the greatest capacity for climate action among developed countries, they have continuously changed targets. It has also delayed implementation and consumed a large portion of the global carbon budget. India further said that developing countries are now faced with the challenge of meeting their development needs. It also has to deal with the decreasing carbon budget and increasing climate change impacts. he/she criticized the lack of ambition of developed countries in providing mitigation efforts and implementation support.

Discussions on MWP remain controversial

At COP29, the world’s countries are deliberating on the operational aspects and focus areas of the MWP. It was established at COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt to support mitigation efforts. Discussions on the MWP remain controversial, with developing countries emphasizing its intended role as a platform to share emissions reduction strategies and experiences.

These countries say that the program was not intended to establish new obligations or mandate specific actions on any country. In contrast, developed countries are advocating for the MWP to encourage more robust and immediate action in all countries.