P.M. Modi to take part in World Climate Action Summit in Dubai

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to participate in the World Climate Action Summit (WCAS) in Dubai during the 28^th Conference of Parties (CoP-28). He will be there on November 30 and December 1 as part of the summit’s activities. CoP-28 is taking place from November 28 to December 12, under the Presidency of the UAE. This Summit mainly focuses on global climate changes and their effects.

During the high-level segment of the event, known as the World Climate Action Summit, world leaders or their representatives are anticipated to deliver statements outlining their countries’ intentions and contributions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who announced five specific targets at the 26^th COP in Glasgow in 2021, is expected to be present at this global event. However, there is no official confirmation yet regarding whether the Prime Minister will make a statement at the summit. The Hindu reported on November 10 about the likelihood of Mr. Modi’s presence at this significant gathering. The annual climate conference is a major summit where leaders discuss the challenges of climate change and the responsibilities of governments worldwide in addressing it.

In 2021, at the 26^th Conference of Parties (Cop) in Glasgow, Scotland, Prime Minister Modi announced five specific targets, collectively called “ Panchamrit”, as part of India’s climate action plan. These goals include making India “net zero” or carbon-neutral by 2070, ensuring at least 500 gigawatts of energy by 2030 are from non-fossil sources, reducing carbon emissions by one billion tonnes, lowering the carbon intensity of the economy by 45%, and fulfilling half of India’s energy needs through renewable sources by 2030. These goals are interconnected and aim to contribute to the global fight against climate change.

The upcoming COP summit in Dubai will feature a significant event called the Global Stocktake, a first-ever assessment of each country’s actions towards achieving targets set at the COP in Paris in 2015. These targets aim to prevent the global average temperature from rising above 2 degrees Celsius and preferably limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century.

Recent research reports suggest that the combined efforts pledged by countries may lead to temperatures exceeding the 2 degrees Celsius limit. Climate change was a top priority during India’s G-20 Presidency, with a commitment to triple installed renewable energy capacity by 2030, as stated in the New Delhi Leaders Declaration in September.

COP28 provides an opportunity to build on these efforts, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. Prime Minister Modi, attending the summit, will also engage in bilateral meetings with other world leaders participating in the Dubai proceedings, although specific details were not disclosed.