1. Row Over Climate Finance at COP29
Context: The 29th Conference of Parties (COP29) is one of the most critical UN climate conferences, aimed at addressing rising carbon emissions.
Key Issues:
- Climate Finance Disputes:
- Developing nations demand at least $1 trillion annually from 2025 to meet emission targets.
- The focus is on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) for funds supporting transitions away from fossil fuels.
- Developed countries have mobilized and transferred $115 billion (2021-22), a sum deemed insufficient.
- Developing Countries’ Demands:
- Nations like India, China, and others in the G77 coalition demand:
- Fulfillment of NDC (Nationally Determined Contributions).
- Compensation for climate-induced damages.
- Emphasize that developed nations must shoulder responsibility for historical emissions.
- Nations like India, China, and others in the G77 coalition demand:
- Developed Nations’ Stand:
- Led by the European Union, they argue the demands are unreasonably high.
- Pledge to increase the climate fund but suggest sources include private, bilateral, and multilateral contributions.
- Skepticism persists over ensuring funds are grants or low-cost loans.
- Specific Concerns of Developing Nations:
- China advocated for discussions on unilateral trade measures impacting emissions.
- Proposal to counter the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM):
- Taxes imports not aligning with EU climate norms.
- Seen as discriminatory and economically harmful to poorer nations.
Recent Progress:
- NCQG Discussions: A new annual target exceeding the $100 billion Paris Agreement goal is under negotiation.
- Carbon Market and Trade Issues: Proposals for improved frameworks under Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement.
Challenges:
- Stark division between developed and developing nations over:
- Sources and conditions for climate finance.
- Ensuring fairness in emission reduction targets.
- Global carbon emissions increased by 8% in 2023, adding urgency.
Implications for India:
- India’s position aligns with BASIC countries (Brazil, South Africa, China):
- Calls for equity in responsibilities.
- Demands adequate finance to support its NDC targets.
2. Impact of Satellite Space Junk on the Environment
Context: There are over 10,000 active satellites in orbit today. This number is projected to increase to 100,000+ by the 2030s and potentially 500,000 in the future. Decommissioned satellites re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere, burning up and releasing pollutants.
Key Issues:
- Pollution from Satellite Re-entry:
- Burning satellites release aluminum and metals into the atmosphere.
- These pollutants contribute to 10% of aerosol particles in the stratosphere, as per NOAA studies (2023).
- Chemical Emissions from Re-entry and Rocket Launches:
- Increased emissions: Aluminum oxides and nitrogen oxides surged from 3 billion grams (2020) to 5.6 billion grams (2022).
- Pollutants include: Black carbon, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, chlorine gases, and aluminum oxide.
- Threat to the Ozone Layer:
- Aluminum oxide acts as a catalyst for ozone depletion.
- This poses a significant risk to ozone recovery efforts post the Montreal Protocol (1987).
Scientific Concerns:
- Atmospheric Composition:
- Pollutants absorb solar energy, warming the atmosphere.
- Copper and other metals act as catalysts for chemical reactions in the stratosphere.
- Cloud Formation: Metallic particles serve as nuclei for cloud condensation, altering weather patterns.
Broader Implications:
- Atmospheric Chemistry: High-altitude pollution could trigger long-term changes in Earth’s atmospheric balance.
- Ripple Effects: Minor disturbances may escalate into significant environmental and climatic disruptions.
Human Impact: While direct harm is distant, indirect effects on climate and weather are concerning.
3. Climate Deal a Mere Illusion, Says India
Context: India expressed discontent over the proposed deal, citing its inadequacy to address global climate challenges on the outcomes of the COP29 held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Key Outcomes of COP29:
- New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on Climate Finance:
- Developed countries agreed to mobilize $1.3 trillion per year by 2035 as a base target.
- This includes a commitment to pool $300 billion annually for climate action.
- Developing Countries’ Demands:
- More transparency and fairness in the allocation of climate finance.
- Specific focus on transitioning from fossil fuels and adopting clean energy technologies.
- India’s Objections:
- Disappointment with Finance Goals:
- The financial commitment is viewed as “too little and too distant.”
- India rejected the deal in its present form.
- Lack of Progress in Emissions Reduction Commitments:
- Rich nations are accused of not fulfilling earlier promises.
- The focus on mitigation needs to consider equity and historical emissions.
- Imbalanced Burden: Developed countries should take the lead, given their historical responsibility.
- Disappointment with Finance Goals:
Criticism of COP29 Outcomes:
- Global South Perspective:
- Nigeria termed the finance package a “joke.”
- Several developing countries called the process unjust.
- India’s Stance:
- The new plan does not address the scale of challenges posed by climate change.
- The focus is insufficient to meet the goal of limiting global warming to 5°C.
Major Statements:
- UN Climate Chief Simon Stiell:
- Described the deal as an “insurance policy” that depends on fair implementation.
- Emphasized the potential for shared prosperity through clean energy.
- India’s COP Delegate:
- Criticized the UNFCCC Secretariat for not considering the concerns of developing nations.
- Highlighted the failure to address equity in climate finance and emission cuts.
Broader Implications:
- Challenges Ahead:
- COP30 will see the submission of stronger Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
- All sectors must contribute to meet emission reduction targets.
- Stalled Global Cooperation:
- Disagreements between developed and developing nations persist.
- Countries like Bolivia, Cuba, and Nigeria continue to protest the inequitable burden-sharing.
India’s Recommendations:
- Need for Fair Burden Sharing: Climate finance should reflect historical responsibilities of developed nations.
- Emphasis on Adaptation: Investments should prioritize adaptation efforts in vulnerable countries.
Inclusion of Global South Voices: Policies must incorporate inputs from the most affected regions.
4. Global Treaty to Tackle Plastic Pollution
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