COP28: PM Modi may pitch for Global Biofuel Alliance to cut dependence on fossil fuels

Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (File photo)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will leave for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at 6 pm on November 30 to attend the 28th session of the UN climate conference (COP28) in Dubai. The visit highlights New Delhi’s commitment to addressing the issue of climate change.

Mission LiFE

PM Modi is scheduled to be in the UAE for two days from November 30 to December 1 and is expected to pitch for India’s approach to addressing critical environmental issues through Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment). More importantly, this approach gained wider acceptance at the G20 leaders’ summit in New Delhi in September.

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The COP28 summit is expected to bring together delegates from nearly 200 countries to discuss global efforts toward a low-carbon future.

“Climate change has been an important priority area of India’s G20 Presidency... COP-28 will provide an opportunity to take forward these successes,” the government said in a statement on November 26.

India to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2070

PM Modi’s upcoming visit shows New Delhi’s active engagement in global climate talks and its commitment to addressing environmental challenges are evident in its participation in key international forums and initiatives. India will achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2070, the PM had said at the COP26 summit in Glasgow in 2021, spelling out the target for the first time.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), meanwhile, also highlighted that climate change has been a focal point during India’s G20 Presidency, and the upcoming COP-28 provides an opportunity to build on the achievements made in this regard.

Also Read | COP28's challenge: UN report highlights insufficient progress, emphasizes urgent need for climate action

Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Sanjay Sudhir, emphasised that India has consistently demonstrated its commitment to addressing climate change.

Regarding PM Modi's visit, Sudhir highlighted the significance of the event and expressed eagerness for the PM to share his vision on climate-related issues with the world. The ambassador noted the anticipation among world leaders for the PM’s participation in the conference, news agency ANI reported.

Low-cost finance for energy transition

Gautam Mohanka, the Chief Executive at Gautam Solar in New Delhi, highlighted India’s priorities for COP28, which include building on the positive momentum gained at the recently held G20 summit. Speaking to The National, the CEO mentioned key areas of focus, such as tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030, developments in green hydrogen, and the necessity of low-cost finance for energy transition.

Moneycontrol could not verify the report independently.

Global Biofuel Alliance

According to several media reports, PM Modi is likely to pitch India’s Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) to a large group of developing nations at COP28. The alliance aims to accelerate the global adoption of biofuels by promoting technological advancements, increasing the use of sustainable biofuels, and establishing robust standards.

Last week, Reuters reported that France, supported by the United States, is aiming to halt private financing for coal-based power plants during the COP28 in Dubai. However, India's dependence on coal for economic growth is a significant factor that may influence its stance on proposals related to the financing of coal-based power plants.