Paris Climate Agreement: India`s Role in Achieving the Goals
The Paris Climate Agreement is a historic international agreement that aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The agreement was adopted on December 12, 2015, at the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Paris, France, and was signed by 195 countries.
India, as one of the world`s largest emitters of greenhouse gases (GHGs), played a crucial role in the negotiations leading up to the adoption of the Paris Agreement. India`s position was clear: it supported the objective of limiting the global temperature rise and was committed to working towards it, but it also stressed the importance of economic growth and development in achieving this goal.
India`s contributions to the Paris Climate Agreement
India`s key contributions to the Paris Climate Agreement include:
1. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) – India submitted its NDCs in October 2015, which included a commitment to reduce the carbon intensity of its GDP by 33-35% by 2030 from 2005 levels, increase the share of renewable energy in the energy mix to 40%, and create an additional carbon sink of 2.5-3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 2030.
2. International Solar Alliance (ISA) – India launched the ISA in November 2015, a coalition of 121 countries dedicated to promoting the use of solar energy. The ISA aims to mobilize over $1 trillion in investments by 2030 and reduce the cost of solar power generation.
3. Green Climate Fund (GCF) – India has pledged to contribute $2.5 billion to the GCF, which is set up to help developing countries adapt to the impacts of climate change and mitigate their GHG emissions.
4. Partnership with France – India and France have partnered to launch the International Solar Alliance and to promote the use of clean energy. This partnership has also led to the creation of the One Planet Summit, an annual event that brings together leaders from around the world to discuss climate change.
UPSC and the Paris Climate Agreement
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is India`s premier central recruiting agency that conducts exams for various civil services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS). Aspirants for these services are expected to have a good understanding of national and international issues, including climate change and the Paris Climate Agreement.
The Paris Climate Agreement is an important topic for UPSC aspirants, as it reflects India`s commitment to sustainable development and its role in the global fight against climate change. In recent years, questions related to the Paris Agreement, India`s NDCs, and its renewable energy goals have been included in the UPSC exams.
Conclusion
India`s role in the Paris Climate Agreement is crucial as it represents a significant step towards addressing the global challenge of climate change. India has made important commitments to reduce its GHG emissions, increase the use of renewable energy, and promote sustainable development. As UPSC aspirants, it is important to understand the significance of these commitments and stay updated on the progress made towards achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.