200 Nations Reach Historic Climate Agreement At Dubai COP28

DUBAI, Dec 1: In a historic decision at the beginning of the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference in the United Arab Emirates, nearly 200 nations reached an agreement to establish a fund to assist countries grappling with the effects of global warming.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in Dubai last night, called for climate financing and technology transfer to developing nations, empowering them to effectively confront the challenges posed by climate change.

"Landed in Dubai to take part in the COP-28 Summit. Looking forward to the proceedings of the Summit, which are aimed at creating a better planet," Modi posted on X. "Deeply moved by the warm welcome from the Indian community in Dubai. Their support and enthusiasm is a testament to our vibrant culture and strong bonds."

Modi will attend the World Climate Action Summit today during the UN's Conference of the Parties (COP28) on climate change. The World Climate Action Summit is the high-level segment of the COP28.

The Prime Minister's engagement at COP28 extends beyond the World Climate Action Summit, as he is set to participate in three additional events. The COP28, under the UAE's presidency, runs from November 30 to December 12.

In his statement, Modi underscored the significance of COP28 as a platform to review progress made under the Paris Agreement and chart a course for future climate action.

The climate talks in Dubai come at a critical juncture as global emissions continue to surge. The UN announced on Thursday that 2023 is on track to be the hottest year in recorded history, highlighting the urgency for immediate action. The establishment of a "loss and damage" fund, long advocated for by climate-vulnerable nations, marked an early victory at COP28.

The UAE and the European Union (EU) made initial commitments of $100 million and $246 million respectively to the loss and damage fund, but they fall short of the $100 billion needed by developing nations to cope with the devastating effects of climate change.

COP28, set to become the biggest climate conference in history, will host over 140 heads of state and government, double the attendance from last year's COP27. These high-level leaders will deliver speeches throughout Friday and Saturday, with Britain's King Charles III officially opening the event with a ceremonial address.

The UAE hopes to spearhead an agreement to triple renewable energy capacity and double the annual pace of energy efficiency improvements by 2030. During the crucial negotiations from November 30 to December 12, experts have warned that forging trust could prove to be a formidable obstacle.

As the conference commenced, delegates observed a minute's silence to pay their respects to the innocent lives lost in Gaza. On the sidelines of the summit, Israeli President Isaac Herzog met with his UAE counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas was supposed to attend the COP28 but his office said the Palestinian foreign minister would attend instead.

Despite holding the distinction of being the world's two largest polluters, the United States and China's leaders are not attending the COP28. However, in a rare display of unity, both nations have issued a joint climate declaration ahead of the conference.

India Walked The Talk When It Comes To Climate Action: Modi

NEW DELHI, Nov 30: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called for supporting developing countries with adequate climate financing and technology transfer to enable them to deal with climate change.

Modi said India has walked the talk when it comes to climate action while highlighting the importance India attached to the issue during its G20 presidency.

"During our G20 presidency, climate was high on our priority. The New Delhi Leaders' Declaration includes numerous concrete steps on climate action and sustainable development. I look forward to the COP28 taking forward the consensus on these issues," Modi said in his departure statement.

He is attending the World Climate Action Summit on Friday during the United Nations 'Conference of the Parties' on climate, known as COP28.

Several world leaders are set to attend the climate action summit to discuss ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and effectively combat climate change.

The World Climate Action Summit is the high-level segment of the COP28.

In his statement, the prime minister said the COP28 will provide an opportunity to review progress made under the Paris Agreement, and chart a path for future course on climate action.

"At the Voice of Global South Summit convened by India, the Global South spoke for the need for climate action based on the principles of equity, climate justice, and common but differentiated responsibilities, as well as a greater focus on adaptation," he said.

"It is important that efforts of the developing world be supported with adequate climate financing and technology transfer. They must have access to equitable carbon and development space to achieve sustainable development," he said.

The prime minister noted that India has walked the talk when it comes to climate action.

"Our achievements in different sectors like renewable energy, energy efficiency, afforestation, energy conservation, Mission LiFE are testament to the commitment of our people towards mother earth," he said.

The prime minister said he was looking forward to joining special events including on climate finance and green credit initiative.

"In keeping with our civilizational ethos, India has always laid emphasis on climate action even as we pursue social and economic development," Modi said.

Modi to attend World Climate Action Summit in Dubai

NEW DELHI, Nov 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-day visit to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), from November 30 to December 1, 2023, to attend the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) at the UN Climate Change Conference (UNCC), held under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The Ministry of External Affairs said in its statement that H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and ruler of Abu Dhabi, has invited the Prime Minister for the summit.

The upcoming visit reflects India's dedication to advancing its climate agenda on the global stage and contributing meaningfully to the dialogue on environmental sustainability.

At COP-26 in Glasgow, Modi unveiled "Panchamrit," consisting of five distinct targets, as an unprecedented commitment by India to address climate change, and he also introduced the Mission Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE), the MEA statement highlighted.

The MEA also noted that climate change has been a focal point during India's G20 Presidency, and the upcoming COP-28 presents a chance to build on these achievements.

The MEA also said in addition to participating in the World Climate Action Summit, Modi is scheduled to engage in bilateral meetings with several world leaders attending the event.