Latest news with #NationallyDeterminedContributions
Scoop
10 hours ago
- Health
- Scoop
World Health Assembly: Health Community Hails Adoption Of Climate & Health Action Plan, But Slams Fossil Fuel Omissions
Geneva, 27 May 2025 The Global Climate and Health Alliance (GCHA) today welcomed the adoption by the World Health Organization's 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) of the Global Action Plan (GAP), which will take forward last year's Resolution on Climate Change and Health, while criticising the removal of mention of fossil fuel subsidies from the text. 'We welcome the adoption of the Global Action Plan as a crucial tool for protecting human life from the impacts of climate change', said Rosie Tasker, Clean Air Liaison at the Global Climate and Health Alliance, which is made up of more than 200 organisations addressing climate change. 'This important milestone was only made possible by significant efforts by the co-facilitators and regional leaders from governments, supported by the health community'. 'However, the absence of any mention of the impacts of fossil fuels or the need for fossil fuel subsidy reform misses a key opportunity to emphasise these connections in the minds and policies of governments around the world', added Tasker. 'Crucially, its adoption marks the start of a new phase where governments and WHO are committing to accelerated action on climate and health.' Key strengths of the Global Action Plan include a call for member states to integrate health into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs - countries' national climate commitments under the Paris Agreement) and integrate climate into national health strategies, policies and plans; a strong focus on maximising the health co-benefits of mitigation and adaptation activities across different government sectors; and a commitment to engage communities and civil society organisations in the development, implementation and evaluation of climate and health strategies. However, the plan's path to adoption was made difficult by a number of member states calling for postponement, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Russia, Bahrain, Venezuela, supported by other countries from the WHO's Eastern Mediterranean region that have been calling for the plan's postponement. But, over the course of discussions on Monday afternoon, these voices were far outweighed by more than 60 countries who took to the floor to share why it was critical to adopt the global action plan. A small number of high-income countries, including the UK, Germany, Australia and Japan, supported the action plan as a whole, but officially noted their objections to language on Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capacities (CBDR-RC), a concept included in the Paris Agreement, which calls for global solidarity in climate change responses. 'Without action to mitigate climate change through reduction of fossil fuel use, the health impacts of climate change will soon outstrip the capacities of health systems to respond', said Tasker. 'To counter this, governments must make climate a core part of national health strategies, and health a key part of countries' Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs); governments must include a stronger focus on vulnerable groups such as women and children, older adults, LGBTQ, refugee and migrant populations, and people with poor mental health or disabilities.' 'The adoption of the Global Plan of Action means that governments must now recognise and respond to the profound role that climate change and its primary driver, fossil fuels, play in determining health outcomes for people around the world', concluded Tasker. About GCHA The Global Climate and Health Alliance is a consortium of more than 200 health professional and health civil society organisations and networks from around the world addressing climate change. We are united by a shared vision of an equitable, sustainable future, in which the health impacts of climate change are minimised, and the health co-benefits of climate change mitigation are maximised.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Impact of US exit from Article 6.4 on global carbon markets
The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), represents a historic effort to combat the climate crisis through collective global action. Its central objective lies in limiting global temperature rise to below 2°C" above pre-industrial levels, with an aspirational target of 1.5°C. The agreement, ratified by 196 parties, relies on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which outline each country's climate action plans and commitments. To facilitate cost-effective emissions reductions, the Paris Agreement incorporates market-based mechanisms under Article 6. These mechanisms are designed to promote international cooperation and investment in sustainable projects by allowing countries to trade carbon credits. Article 6.2 enables bilateral trading through Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs), while Article 6.4 establishes a UN-regulated global carbon market, fostering private and public sector participation in emissions reduction initiatives. These frameworks are crucial for ensuring transparency, preventing double-counting, and driving investments in low-carbon technologies. However, the effectiveness of these mechanisms has been repeatedly tested by political shifts, particularly in the US. The country's decisions to enter, exit, rejoin, and now re-exit the Paris Agreement have created significant uncertainty for global carbon markets. As the world's largest economy and a major emitter, US engagement plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of international climate policy. The latest withdrawal under the newly elected Trump administration raises fresh concerns about the stability of global carbon trading systems and the broader fight against the climate crisis. Unlike the Kyoto Protocol, which imposed binding targets on developed nations, the Paris Agreement requires voluntary commitments from all countries. Each signatory submits an NDC detailing its emissions reduction strategy, with a commitment to increasing ambition over time. Provisions for five-yearly reviews ensure continued global cooperation. A crucial element of the Paris Agreement is the use of market-based mechanisms to achieve emissions reductions more efficiently. Article 6 provides a framework for international collaboration, allowing nations to trade carbon credits, thereby reducing emissions at a lower cost. This includes two key components: Article 6.2, which enables countries to transfer emission reductions through ITMOs, and Article 6.4, which establishes a global carbon market under UN oversight. This market incentivises emission reduction projects, such as renewable energy and reforestation, by allowing credits to be bought and sold internationally. The US's engagement with the Paris Agreement has been inconsistent, influenced by shifting political priorities. President Obama led the country into the agreement, marking a significant commitment to global climate action. However, President Trump withdrew in 2017, arguing that the agreement placed unfair economic burdens on American industries, particularly fossil fuel sectors. This withdrawal created uncertainty about the US's role in international climate policy and weakened global momentum. Upon taking office, President Biden re-entered the Paris Agreement in 2021, reaffirming US commitment to emissions reduction. He set an ambitious target of reducing emissions by 50-52% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels. However, most recently, the newly-elected Trump administration has once again withdrawn the US from the Paris Agreement, dealing another blow to global climate cooperation. This inconsistency in US policy has raised concerns about the reliability of its commitments and the stability of global climate action efforts. The withdrawal and re-entry cycles have made it difficult for other nations and businesses to plan long-term investments in emissions reduction projects. The US's exit from Article 6.4 specifically has had notable consequences for carbon markets. As one of the largest economies, the US plays a crucial role in shaping global demand for carbon credits. Uncertainty over its participation has undermined confidence in carbon trading schemes and deterred investment in emissions reduction projects. Trump's withdrawal slowed the development of global carbon trading markets, while Biden's re-entry provided a temporary boost, yet this latest exit further disrupts carbon markets, creating new uncertainties for international efforts to curb emissions and meet global climate targets. The instability of US climate policy has broader repercussions for global carbon markets. Article 6.4, designed to create a robust and transparent international carbon market, relies on major economies' participation to function effectively. The absence of the US disrupts market dynamics, reducing liquidity and weakening investor confidence. The fluctuation in US engagement also affects carbon credit pricing, making it harder for developing nations to attract funding for emission reduction projects. Beyond market implications, the US's wavering stance impacts international climate diplomacy. The Paris Agreement was built on a foundation of collective ambition, and the unpredictability of US participation challenges that cohesion. Other major emitters, such as China and even India, may hesitate to make more ambitious commitments if they perceive the US as an unreliable partner. Developing nations, which depend on financial and technological support from developed economies, face uncertainty in securing resources for their climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. Looking forward, a stable and sustained US commitment to the Paris Agreement and Article 6.4 is essential for fostering trust and driving investment in global carbon markets. Policy certainty from major economies encourages businesses and governments to participate in emissions trading, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of carbon markets as a climate solution. If the US continues its pattern of policy reversals, it risks undermining international efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The US's shifting stance on the Paris Agreement, particularly regarding Article 6.4, highlights the challenges of achieving cohesive global climate action. As a major economy, its participation significantly influences carbon markets, investment flows, and international climate cooperation. While Biden's administration attempted to restore US leadership in climate policy, the return of the Trump administration and the subsequent withdrawal from the Paris Agreement once again cast doubt on global efforts. For the Paris Agreement to remain effective, long-term commitment from all major economies, especially the US, is crucial. The success of carbon markets hinges on policy stability, investor confidence, and international collaboration. Without a consistent and engaged approach, the world risks losing critical time in the fight against climate change. As nations continue to strengthen their climate commitments, the US's role will be pivotal in ensuring carbon markets function as a reliable mechanism for reducing global emissions. Unfortunately, the current US dispensation considers it a waste of time and a waste of money — as if there is another Planet B. However, this also presents an opportunity for India and like-minded countries to keep the fight against the climate crisis alive. This article is authored by Anil Trigunayat, former ambassador and currently distinguished fellow, Vivekananda International Foundation and Kaviraj Singh, CEO & director, Earthood.
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Business Standard
22-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
India to exceed 2030 climate target with up to 57% cut in emissions: Report
India is on track to exceed its climate target of reducing the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45 per cent by 2030 as compared to 2005 levels, according to a new analysis. The emissions modelling analysis by Delhi-based think-tank Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) and Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE), an NGO, projected that India's energy sector emission intensity could decrease by 48-57 per cent by 2030 as compared to 2005 levels. However, achieving the 2070 net zero target (balancing emissions with removals) will require additional policy interventions, centred around carbon pricing, along with power pricing reforms, fiscal support for clean technologies, enhanced energy efficiency and behaviour change initiatives. The findings, published this week in the international journal Energy and Climate Change', suggest that India's 2035 NDC targets could include reducing emissions intensity of GDP between 55 and 66 per cent relative to 2005 (with most scenarios indicating a 56 per cent reduction) and increasing the non-fossil fuel share in installed power capacity to 60-68 per cent. As per its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) or national climate plans submitted to the UNFCCC in August 2022, India aims to reduce emissions intensity of its GDP by 45 per cent from the 2005 level and achieve 50 per cent cumulative electric installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030. Countries are required to submit their next round of national climate plans for the 2031-2035 period this year. With most countries, including India, missing the February 10 deadline, UN climate change chief Simon Stiell has urged them to submit their plans by September at the latest. India has not yet finalised its new NDCs. Vaibhav Chaturvedi, Senior Fellow, CEEW, said, Since the Paris Agreement, India has demonstrated climate leadership on several fronts. It has also proven that growth and emissions reduction can happen together. This paper reaffirms that with decisive reforms -- across electricity pricing, industrial planning, nuclear electricity, lifestyle change and urban mobility -- India can significantly bend its emissions curve towards net zero." He said India's 2035 NDC must reflect not only enhanced ambition but also economic realism, supported by analytical assessments. A well-calibrated strategy should include an economy-wide emissions intensity target, sector-specific carbon budgets and a push for low-carbon technologies and clean manufacturing, Chaturvedi said. Satish Kumar, President and Executive Director, AEEE, said, By integrating key energy efficiency parameters as endogenous variables in the underlying climate model, our paper breaks new ground in capturing the real-world potential of demand-side interventions. This approach makes the model more robust and reflective of India's development realities. The CEEW-AEEE analysis found that a high-growth scenario aligned with the Viksit Bharat' vision would lead to 63 per cent higher absolute emissions by 2070, compared to the business-as-usual (BAU) scenario. However, the emissions intensity of GDP would still fall by 3 per cent relative to BAU, due to greater adoption of efficient technologies and deeper integration of renewables in India's energy mix, it said. This reduction could be even higher if the Indian industries prioritise electricity-driven, low-emission manufacturing sectors, such as semiconductors. Behavioural and lifestyle changes -- such as reduced private vehicle use, adoption of energy-efficient appliances and optimised residential energy use (modelled under India's Mission LiFE framework) -- could deliver up to 10 per cent emissions reductions by 2050 relative to BAU, as well as reduce the pressure on land resources. Policies that mandate energy-efficient products and prioritise their procurement could deliver substantial gains at relatively low costs. The CEEW-AEEE analysis also found that lower tariffs for industrial and commercial users could accelerate electrification and boost clean energy uptake. Higher residential tariffs, on the other hand, could make rooftop solar more attractive, provided low-income households continue receiving targeted support.
Economic Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
India on track to exceed key 2030 climate target: Analysis
India is on track to exceed its climate target of reducing the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45 per cent by 2030 as compared to 2005 levels, according to a new analysis. The emissions modelling analysis by Delhi-based think-tank Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) and Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE), an NGO, projected that India's energy sector emission intensity could decrease by 48-57 per cent by 2030 as compared to 2005 levels. However, achieving the 2070 net zero target (balancing emissions with removals) will require additional policy interventions, centred around carbon pricing, along with power pricing reforms, fiscal support for clean technologies, enhanced energy efficiency and behaviour change initiatives. The findings, published this week in the international journal 'Energy and Climate Change', suggest that India's 2035 NDC targets could include reducing emissions intensity of GDP between 55 and 66 per cent relative to 2005 (with most scenarios indicating a 56 per cent reduction) and increasing the non-fossil fuel share in installed power capacity to 60-68 per cent. As per its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) or national climate plans submitted to the UNFCCC in August 2022, India aims to reduce emissions intensity of its GDP by 45 per cent from the 2005 level and achieve 50 per cent cumulative electric installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030. Countries are required to submit their next round of national climate plans for the 2031-2035 period this year. With most countries, including India, missing the February 10 deadline, UN climate change chief Simon Stiell has urged them to submit their plans by September at the latest. India has not yet finalised its new NDCs. Vaibhav Chaturvedi, Senior Fellow, CEEW, said, "Since the Paris Agreement, India has demonstrated climate leadership on several fronts. It has also proven that growth and emissions reduction can happen together. "This paper reaffirms that with decisive reforms -- across electricity pricing, industrial planning, nuclear electricity, lifestyle change and urban mobility -- India can significantly bend its emissions curve towards net zero." He said India's 2035 NDC must reflect not only enhanced ambition but also economic realism, supported by analytical assessments. A well-calibrated strategy should include an economy-wide emissions intensity target, sector-specific carbon budgets and a push for low-carbon technologies and clean manufacturing, Chaturvedi said. Satish Kumar, President and Executive Director, AEEE, said, "By integrating key energy efficiency parameters as endogenous variables in the underlying climate model, our paper breaks new ground in capturing the real-world potential of demand-side interventions. This approach makes the model more robust and reflective of India's development realities." The CEEW-AEEE analysis found that a high-growth scenario aligned with the 'Viksit Bharat' vision would lead to 63 per cent higher absolute emissions by 2070, compared to the business-as-usual (BAU) scenario. However, the emissions intensity of GDP would still fall by 3 per cent relative to BAU, due to greater adoption of efficient technologies and deeper integration of renewables in India's energy mix, it said. This reduction could be even higher if the Indian industries prioritise electricity-driven, low-emission manufacturing sectors, such as semiconductors. Behavioural and lifestyle changes -- such as reduced private vehicle use, adoption of energy-efficient appliances and optimised residential energy use (modelled under India's Mission LiFE framework) -- could deliver up to 10 per cent emissions reductions by 2050 relative to BAU, as well as reduce the pressure on land resources. Policies that mandate energy-efficient products and prioritise their procurement could deliver substantial gains at relatively low costs. The CEEW-AEEE analysis also found that lower tariffs for industrial and commercial users could accelerate electrification and boost clean energy uptake. Higher residential tariffs, on the other hand, could make rooftop solar more attractive, provided low-income households continue receiving targeted support.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India on track to exceed key 2030 climate target: Analysis
India is on track to exceed its climate target of reducing the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45 per cent by 2030 as compared to 2005 levels, according to a new analysis. The emissions modelling analysis by Delhi-based think-tank Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) and Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE), an NGO, projected that India's energy sector emission intensity could decrease by 48-57 per cent by 2030 as compared to 2005 levels. However, achieving the 2070 net zero target (balancing emissions with removals) will require additional policy interventions, centred around carbon pricing, along with power pricing reforms, fiscal support for clean technologies, enhanced energy efficiency and behaviour change initiatives. The findings, published this week in the international journal 'Energy and Climate Change', suggest that India's 2035 NDC targets could include reducing emissions intensity of GDP between 55 and 66 per cent relative to 2005 (with most scenarios indicating a 56 per cent reduction) and increasing the non-fossil fuel share in installed power capacity to 60-68 per cent. As per its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) or national climate plans submitted to the UNFCCC in August 2022, India aims to reduce emissions intensity of its GDP by 45 per cent from the 2005 level and achieve 50 per cent cumulative electric installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030. Countries are required to submit their next round of national climate plans for the 2031-2035 period this year. With most countries, including India, missing the February 10 deadline, UN climate change chief Simon Stiell has urged them to submit their plans by September at the latest. India has not yet finalised its new NDCs. Vaibhav Chaturvedi, Senior Fellow, CEEW, said, "Since the Paris Agreement, India has demonstrated climate leadership on several fronts. It has also proven that growth and emissions reduction can happen together. "This paper reaffirms that with decisive reforms -- across electricity pricing, industrial planning, nuclear electricity, lifestyle change and urban mobility -- India can significantly bend its emissions curve towards net zero." He said India's 2035 NDC must reflect not only enhanced ambition but also economic realism, supported by analytical assessments. A well-calibrated strategy should include an economy-wide emissions intensity target, sector-specific carbon budgets and a push for low-carbon technologies and clean manufacturing, Chaturvedi said. Satish Kumar, President and Executive Director, AEEE, said, "By integrating key energy efficiency parameters as endogenous variables in the underlying climate model, our paper breaks new ground in capturing the real-world potential of demand-side interventions. This approach makes the model more robust and reflective of India's development realities." The CEEW-AEEE analysis found that a high-growth scenario aligned with the 'Viksit Bharat' vision would lead to 63 per cent higher absolute emissions by 2070, compared to the business-as-usual (BAU) scenario. However, the emissions intensity of GDP would still fall by 3 per cent relative to BAU, due to greater adoption of efficient technologies and deeper integration of renewables in India's energy mix, it said. This reduction could be even higher if the Indian industries prioritise electricity-driven, low-emission manufacturing sectors, such as semiconductors. Behavioural and lifestyle changes -- such as reduced private vehicle use, adoption of energy-efficient appliances and optimised residential energy use (modelled under India's Mission LiFE framework) -- could deliver up to 10 per cent emissions reductions by 2050 relative to BAU, as well as reduce the pressure on land resources. Policies that mandate energy-efficient products and prioritise their procurement could deliver substantial gains at relatively low costs. The CEEW-AEEE analysis also found that lower tariffs for industrial and commercial users could accelerate electrification and boost clean energy uptake. Higher residential tariffs, on the other hand, could make rooftop solar more attractive, provided low-income households continue receiving targeted support.
