Context: The article discusses the challenges of global climate cooperation, focusing on the disparity between developed and developing nations like India.

• It emphasises the need for equitable climate action, particularly the balancing act India faces in achieving net-zero emissions while ensuring sustainable development.

• The article also highlights demand and supply-side measures for sustainability.

Impact of the 2024 U.S. Election on Climate Action

• The 2024 U.S. presidential election is likely to have a greater impact on global climate efforts than COP-29 itself.

• National interests may hinder global climate cooperation, especially when developed countries, like the U.S., have fewer incentives to change course compared to developing nations such as India.

• India’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2070 highlights the disparity in climate action responsibilities between developed and developing nations.

Why Net-Zero Targets Matter

• Scientific consensus stresses that to avoid devastating climate impacts, global temperatures must stay within 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

• The U.N. IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report estimates that the remaining global carbon budget to limit temperature rise to 1.5°C is 400-500 billion tonnes of CO2, with annual emissions around 40 GtCO2.

• Drastic reductions in emissions are necessary, but achieving net-zero globally is complex and requires sharp declines in total emissions.

Equity in Climate Action

• Developed countries, responsible for most historical emissions, are expected to lead the transition to net-zero by 2050.

• Developing countries like India are given more time to balance development with climate action.

• Developed countries have failed to meet climate financing expectations.

• Small island nations are disproportionately affected by climate change.

Per Capita Emissions In India

• India’s per-capita emissions are among the lowest in the world.

• The wealthiest 10% in India contribute 20 times more emissions than the poorest 10%.

• Climate change disproportionately affects the poor in India.

Challenges in India’s Climate Transition

• India’s large size and diversity mean some regions are more polluting than others, and the country lacks the resources to support developed-world lifestyle standards for its entire population.

• Unsustainable lifestyle aspirations could exacerbate issues such as food shortages, groundwater depletion, and biodiversity loss by the 2040s.

The Need for a New Consumption Model

• Unchecked consumption could lead to a massive increase in power demand by 2070, requiring 5,500 GW of solar and 1,500 GW of wind.

• Current renewable energy capacities are 70 GW for solar and 47 GW for wind, far below the required levels.

• Achieving renewable energy targets may conflict with the need for land to support food security and biodiversity.

• A balanced long-term strategy should focus on “sufficiency consumption corridors,” limiting unsustainable growth while meeting development goals.

Demand and Supply-Side Measures for Sustainability

• Demand-side measures include energy-efficient construction, transport, and mindful consumption choices.

• On the supply side, India should decentralise energy production, expand nuclear power capacity, and focus on renewable energy integration.

• As global climate targets become increasingly urgent, India must act decisively to ensure a sustainable future, despite external challenges like U.S. leadership and global climate finance gaps.