Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the 28th edition of the Conference of the Parties (COP-28), refrained from making new commitments to address the global temperature rise. However, he made a significant proposal to host the 33rd edition of the annual summit in India in 2028. During his address, Modi emphasized the crucial need for developed countries to vacate carbon space by 2050. Additionally, he invited nations to join India’s “Green Credit Initiative,” a non-commercial effort designed to create a carbon sink.
Traditionally, the approval for hosting COP-33 would take place two years in advance. If accepted, this proposal would mark India’s second time hosting the summit, with the first instance occurring in 2002. The Green Credit scheme, characterized as “non-commercial,” aims to incentivize voluntary environmental actions across various sectors.
Modi’s Address at COP-28
During the high-level segment of the summit, Modi addressed the global community, acknowledging the disproportionate impact of environmental exploitation on the inhabitants of the Global South. He expressed concern about the consequences of a small portion of humanity ruthlessly exploiting nature and highlighted the collective responsibility of the entire world to address this issue.
The Green Credit initiative proposed by Modi is envisioned as a mechanism to generate credits for activities such as plantations on waste or degraded lands and initiatives in river-catchment areas to rejuvenate natural ecosystems. This initiative aligns with India’s commitment to environmental sustainability and complements efforts to combat climate change.
Modi reiterated India’s commitments made during COP-26, including a 45% reduction in emissions intensity and a pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. These commitments underscore India’s dedication to playing a constructive role in the global fight against climate change.
Welcoming COP-28 Developments
The Indian Prime Minister welcomed the approval of the Loss and Damage Fund during COP-28. He also urged countries to finalize new targets on climate finance. Modi emphasized the importance of ensuring that new financial targets do not overshadow commitments to crucial funds such as the Green Climate Fund and the Adaptation Fund.
Arunabha Ghosh, CEO of the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW), commended Modi’s vision and sees the proposal to host COP-33 in 2028 as an opportunity for India to highlight issues specific to the Global South and advocate for climate justice on the global stage. Arti Khosla, director of Climate Trends, described Modi’s offer to host COP-33 as a diplomatic masterstroke, especially given the current mood of climate discussions in Dubai.
Prime Minister Modi’s address at COP-28 reflects India’s commitment to addressing climate change challenges. The proposal to host COP-33 in 2028 and the initiation of the Green Credit Initiative demonstrate India’s proactive approach in contributing to global climate action. As the international community navigates complex climate negotiations, India’s leadership and diplomatic initiatives play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of future climate agreements.