THE GIST of Editorial for UPSC Exams : 25 September 2019 (Climate for action: On UN Climate Action Summit (Indian Express))

Climate for action: On UN Climate Action Summit (Indian Express)

Mains Paper 3 : Environment
Prelims level : UNFCCC
Mains level : Upgrading internal framework of NAPCC

Context

•  PM Narendra Modi’s comments at the UN Climate Action Summit in New York have turned the spotlight on not just the national contributions pledged under the Paris Agreement of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
•  The possibility of India declaring enhanced ambition on cutting greenhouse gas emissions under the pact next year.

To reconcile conflicting imperatives:

•  It along with a declared programme of scaling up electricity from renewable sources to 175 GW by 2022 and even to 450 GW later.
•  There is a parallel emphasis on expanding coal-based generation to meet peaks of demand that cannot be met by solar and wind power.
•  The irony of the Prime Minister telling the international community in Houston that his government had opened up coal mining to 100% foreign direct investment was not lost on climate activists campaigning for a ban on new coal plants and divesting of shares in coal companies.
•  No less challenging is a substantial transition to electric mobility, beginning with commercial and public transport, although it would have multiple benefits, not the least of which is cleaner air and reduced expenditure on oil imports.

Upgrading internal framework of NAPCC

•  The existing internal framework, the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) is more than a decade old.
•  It lacks the legal foundation to incorporate the key national commitment under the Paris Agreement: to reduce the emissions intensity of economic growth by a third, by 2030.
•  Without an update to the NAPCC and its mission-mode programmes, and legislation approved by States for new green norms governing buildings, transport, agriculture, water use and so on, it will be impossible to make a case for major climate finance under the UNFCCC.
•  It is equally urgent to arrive at a funding plan for all States to help communities adapt to more frequent climate-linked disasters such as cyclones, floods and droughts. There is, no doubt, wide support for India’s position that it cannot be held responsible for the stock of atmospheric carbon dioxide influencing the climate; even today, per capita emissions remain below the global average.

Way forward

•  The country is a victim of climate events on the one hand and a major emitter of GHGs in absolute terms on the other.
•  We have to rely on the country’s culture of environmentalism to reassure the international community on its ability to act.
•  In coming years, national actions will have to be demonstrably effective in curbing carbon emissions.

Prelims Questions:

Q.1) Which among the following best describes INS Sahyadri?
a. It is a torpedo launch and recovery vessel.
b. It is a Shivalik- class stealth multi-role frigate.
c. It is a diesel-electric submarine.
d. It is a Kiev-class aircraft carrier.

Answer: B
Mains Questions:
Q.1) India’s call for solid steps on climate change must be matched by domestic measures. Comment.