COP30 Delivers Crucial Gains for Developing Nations Amid Global Turbulence
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Climate experts, including India's former negotiators, have lauded the COP30 outcomes in Belem as a significant step forward for developing countries, despite challenges in transitioning from fossil fuels and securing adaptation finance. Former Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran emphasized that the shift to clean energy is essential for climate action, but the commitment made at COP28 in Dubai did not translate to tangible progress in Belem. Saran noted that India supports the transition but remains concerned about the financial implications. "It's not a costless transition; it requires resources," he said, highlighting the lessons learned from the Ukraine crisis. He also stressed that India's progress on renewables and energy efficiency is often overshadowed by its current emissions, which perpetuates skewed perceptions. Arunabha Ghosh, Special Envoy to COP30, commended the Brazilian presidency for navigating the complex negotiations and maintaining momentum. He suggested that India should focus on hosting a COP centered on delivering solutions rather than merely outlining requirements. Former Additional Secretary Ravi Shankar Prasad cautioned that expectations from COPs must be realistic, as these meetings are not designed to be revolutionary. He acknowledged that developing nations had sought a stronger outcome on adaptation finance but noted that the global appetite for climate assistance has diminished due to the withdrawal of a significant donor. The COP30 outcome did, however, establish a two-year work program on climate finance, which includes Article 9 of the Paris Agreement. This decision was seen as a positive step for developing countries, particularly India, which had pushed for a three-year program focused on implementing Article 9.1. Experts also welcomed progress on unilateral trade measures, which have long been a sensitive issue for developing countries. The "Global Mutirão" outcome establishes three annual dialogues on trade to be held during the UN climate meetings in Bonn, providing a formal platform to discuss measures that could impact exports from developing nations. Laveesh Bhandari, President of the Centre for Social and Economic Progress, emphasized the need for India to deepen cooperation on climate-related technologies, including with China, while maintaining its security concerns intact. As the global climate landscape continues to evolve, experts remain cautiously optimistic about the prospects for future climate cooperation.
