Setting the agenda in COP26 in Glasgow
1. To achieve ‘Global Net Zero’ by 2050 and limit the increase in temperature to 1.5 degrees celsius. Global Net-Zero implies a drastic reduction in carbon emissions by stopping the usage of coal and other fossil fuels.
In order to achieve this goal, forest conservation becomes absolutely necessary. Apart from this, governments and businesses have to invest in transitioning into clean energy and dramatically phase out fossil fuel sources.
2. Protection of vulnerable countries and communities from the ever-increasing natural disasters due to climate change. The communities residing near sea and ocean coasts are extremely vulnerable and sensitive to the increasing climate change disasters. Keeping this in perspective, COP26 aims to address the issue of livelihood of such communities and empower them to ensure resilience.
3. The issue of financial aid has emerged as a controversial issue and this has become one of the main challenges in addressing climate change. Developing countries argue and demand that developed countries must pledge more financial aid, taking into account the historical emissions by developed countries. Without a proper mechanism for financial aid and contributions, it would be impossible to combat the challenges of climate change.
4. Working together is the way forward and in order to achieve the aim, ‘Climate Action’ has to be the centre of attention. For this purpose, various governments and non-government organizations, civil society, and businesses have to come together and work in collaboration with each other.
India’s New Pledge: India’s new pledges in COP26 combating climate change are novel and of great significance as a developing country. The Prime Minister represented India and pledged to achieve two main goals. First, to transition and meet more than 50% of the energy production through renewable and clean sources by 2030.
The second is to achieve the goal of ‘Net Zero’ by 2070. India has also pledged to reduce its carbon emissions by 45% by 2030. It remains to be seen how the goals are implemented and how the policies are structured in the future.