COP28 explainer: What will be on the agenda for the world, and India

● Stocktake of global progress on climate change: The first-ever global stocktake will be conducted at COP28 to assess the world's progress towards the goals of the Paris Agreement.

● Mitigation: Parties will discuss how to accelerate efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

● Adaptation: There will be discussions on how to help developing countries adapt to the impacts of climate change.

● Finance: Talks are expected on how to increase climate finance for developing countries.

● Loss and damage: Parties will discuss how to address the issue of loss and damage due to climate change.

In addition to these topics, COP28 is also expected to focus on the following issues:

● The role of non-state actors: COP28 will consider how non-state actors, such as businesses, cities, and civil society organisations, can play a role in addressing climate change.

● Just transition: There will be focus on how to ensure that the transition to a low-carbon economy is fair and equitable.

● The role of innovation and technology: There will also be discussions on the role of innovation in addressing climate change and how best to transfer technology.

What are India’s priorities at COP28?

Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA): Launched in September 2023 at the G20 Summit in New Delhi, the GBA has quickly gained traction, attracting the participation of 22 countries. Despite its rapid growth, the alliance faces the challenge of securing the backing of OPEC+ countries, particularly Saudi Arabia and Russia.

The momentum behind biofuels, however, is gaining steam as the global ethanol market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 5.1 percent, reaching $162.12 billion by 2032, up from $99.06 billion in 2022. India’s efforts to champion the GBA at COP28 are expected to further boost the global biofuels movement.

Cooling pledge: India is reportedly hesitant to sign a global pledge to reduce cooling-related emissions at the COP28 climate conference, citing the need for affordable cooling in the world's most populous country.

The pledge, developed by the United Nations Environment Programme's Cool Coalition and COP28 host the United Arab Emirates, aims to reduce cooling-related carbon dioxide emissions by at least 68 percent by 2050 compared with 2022 levels. However, the pledge would necessitate significant investments in sustainable cooling technologies, potentially increasing the cost of these products.

Nations are expected to announce their decisions regarding the cooling pledge during COP28.

Climate finance: With the world on track for temperatures to rise far beyond the agreed climate goals during this century, the United Nations Environment Programme Emissions Gap Report (EGR) has called for “immediate and deep emission cuts.”

The EGR acknowledges the uneven historical responsibilities for global warming, with developed nations bearing a disproportionate share of the blame. It also recognises the heightened vulnerability of developing countries, which are often least responsible for climate change yet face the most severe impacts. To address these disparities, the report calls for a significant scaling up of international financial assistance to support developing nations in their transition to a low-carbon economy.

"Low- and lower-middle-income countries are in the greatest need of affordable finance," the report emphasises. India, classified as a lower-middle-income country, faces a particular challenge in mobilising the necessary investments to achieve its ambitious clean energy transition plans.

Indian finance minister Nirmala Sitaraman has already said that India will certainly be pushing forward to showcase what it has achieved with its own funds, and the need for more money. “The Paris commitment given by us has been funded by us. We didn’t wait for the hundred billion that is never on the table. A lot of talk, but no money coming on the table,” she said.

The decisions made at COP28 could have far-reaching consequences for the planet's health and its inhabitants. (Photo credit: Donald Judge via Wikimedia Commons)

Fossil fuel phase out and the Global Methane Pledge: Despite its commitment to climate action, India has established certain limitations, particularly regarding coal and sector-specific targets. A prominent sticking point for it is the inclusion of ‘fossil fuel’ phase-out or "phase down" in the draft text for increasing renewable energy ambition - a crucial agenda item for the UAE COP Presidency.

“There is going to be pressure on nations at COP28 to reduce coal usage. We are not going to do this... we are not going to compromise on availability of power for our growth, even if it requires that we add coal-based capacity,” said power minister R.K. Singh recently at the annual state energy ministers' meeting.

The world’s second-largest methane emitter, India also faces mounting pressure to join the Global Methane Pledge (GMP), especially after China’s recent methane action announcement. The country’s reluctance to join the GMP, citing concerns about its agricultural economy, could hinder global methane reduction efforts and jeopardise its own Paris-aligned goals.

India has consistently resisted joining the GMP at the past two COPs, and there is no indication that this stance will change at COP28.

Loss and damage fund: There will be deliberations on the framework for a loss and damage fund to help countries severely impacted by climate change. After nearly a year of discussions, a Transitional Committee has proposed a plan for the fund’s structure and operation.

But there remain challenges. Developing nations want to specify how much money the fund will need and who should contribute, but developed nations disagree. Similarly, there have been discussions on which countries would qualify as “developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to climate change.” Countries, including Pakistan and India, have opposed this push from the developed world.

At the moment, the proposed plan also suggests housing the fund at the World Bank for four years, after which it could be relocated. But it could be revised at COP28 if countries object.