India actively participated in side events at the CoP29 UN Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11–22, 2024. Collaborating with global agencies, India shared its strategies for tackling climate challenges and showcased its commitment to climate action at both national and international levels.
Key Events and Highlights
1. Building Resilient Infrastructure
Event: Integrating Disaster Resilient Infrastructure into Adaptation Strategies (November 13, 2024)
Organizers: India (MoEFCC) and CDRI
Experts discussed integrating disaster risk reduction (DRR) into adaptation strategies to create sustainable and resilient infrastructure. The focus was on assessing vulnerabilities, innovative financing, and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
Key Takeaways:
- Infrastructure accounts for 88% of adaptation costs.
- Resilient infrastructure can drive sustainable growth and environmental benefits.
- CDRI initiatives like IRIS and GIRI support countries with tools and technical assistance for building resilience.
2. LeadIT Member Meet
Event: LeadIT Member Meet (November 14, 2024)
Organizers: India (MoEFCC), Sweden, and LeadIT Secretariat
India and Sweden emphasized collaboration for industry transition. Industry leaders, including Tata Steel and Dalmia, discussed challenges in decarbonization and proposed hydrogen-based solutions and low-carbon initiatives.
Highlights:
- Swedish industries highlighted India’s growth potential.
- Members identified the need for pilots and value-chain collaborations.
- Discussions centered on CO2 capture, electrification, and green hydrogen solutions.
3. India-Sweden Industry Transition Partnership (ITP)
Event: Road to Belém (November 16, 2024)
Organizers: India (MoEFCC), Sweden, and LeadIT Secretariat
India and Sweden reviewed the progress of their Industry Transition Partnership launched at CoP28. The event connected this initiative with Brazil-UK decarbonization efforts.
Focus Areas:
- Political commitment to industry decarbonization.
- Links to global decarbonization hubs.
- Preparations for presenting results at CoP30 in Belém.
4. Empowering Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
Event: Unlocking Investments for Climate Resilient Infrastructure (November 18, 2024)
Organizers: India (MoEFCC) and CDRI
This session focused on addressing the unique vulnerabilities of SIDS by unlocking climate finance and fostering multilateral cooperation. The IRIS initiative supported these goals by providing tools and resources for building resilience.
Key Outcomes:
- Recognition of SIDS’ financial challenges and vulnerabilities.
- Expansion of the IRIS initiative to 13 SIDS with new projects announced.
- Collaboration through SAGAR and FIPIC initiatives for climate resilience.
5. Solar Energy for the Global South
Event: Energy Transitions for the Global South (November 19, 2024)
Organizers: India (MoEFCC) and ISA
India stressed the role of solar energy in addressing energy security and climate change in developing nations. The session aimed for a 20x increase in solar adoption by 2050 to meet global energy needs.
Key Insights:
- Solar is crucial for decoupling development from carbon emissions.
- Calls for investment in solar energy projects across the Global South.
- Emphasis on equitable growth through renewable energy.
6. LeadIT Annual Summit
Event: LeadIT Summit 2024 (November 20, 2024)
Organizers: India (MoEFCC), Sweden, and LeadIT Secretariat
The fifth LeadIT Summit reflected on industry progress toward the Paris Agreement. A five-year report was unveiled, highlighting successes and challenges in decarbonizing heavy industries.
Key Discussions:
- Governments and industries shared strategies for low-carbon transitions.
- Stakeholders reaffirmed commitment to sustainable and inclusive industrial growth.
7. Women-led Climate Action
Event: Solarizing Communities through Women-led Climate Action (November 21, 2024)
Organizers: India (MoEFCC & MNRE), ISA, and NRDC
This session celebrated women-led initiatives for clean energy adoption in the Global South. It emphasized the socio-economic and environmental benefits of empowering women in the energy transition.
Highlights:
- Women play a vital role in clean energy solutions at the grassroots level.
- India showcased its renewable energy achievements and gender-focused initiatives.
- Collaboration and financial support were identified as key to scaling efforts.
Conclusion
India’s active role at CoP29 demonstrated its leadership in climate action. Through collaboration, innovation, and a focus on resilience, India reinforced its commitment to a sustainable future. These side events showcased India’s ability to drive global progress on climate challenges.
(Source: PIB)
