MEV 017: Unit 15 – Climate Change Policy

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 UNIT 15: CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY

15.1 Introduction

Climate change is no longer a distant environmental concern but a present global crisis. It has far-reaching impacts on ecosystems, economies, and human livelihoods. The science of climate change confirms that rising greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) from human activities are causing global temperatures to increase, leading to extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and biodiversity loss.

Global and national responses have evolved over decades, resulting in several international negotiations, agreements, and national policy frameworks. This unit explores the history, major international climate treaties, and India’s role and strategies in combating climate change.

15.2 Objectives

After studying this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Understand the evolution of the global climate change debate.
  • Analyze key international climate treaties and agreements.
  • Examine India’s domestic and international climate change policies.
  • Assess the efforts of Indian states in implementing climate action plans.

15.3 History of Climate Change Debate

The climate change discourse has evolved over multiple phases:

15.3.1 First Phase: The Emergence of Scientific Consensus

  • Early 20th-century theories suggested human activities could affect global temperatures.
  • In the 1980s, the scientific community began to reach consensus on the role of GHGs in global warming.
  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was established in 1988 by the UNEP and WMO.

15.3.2 Second Phase: Agenda Setting

  • Climate change became a policy issue.
  • Global environmental summits highlighted the need for collective action.
  • Governments began to draft frameworks for international cooperation.

15.3.3 Third Phase: Early International Responses

  • In 1990, IPCC released its First Assessment Report.
  • The issue was included in the 1992 Rio Earth Summit.

15.3.4 Fourth Phase: Negotiation of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

  • UNFCCC was adopted in 1992 and entered into force in 1994.
  • It set the foundation for global climate cooperation, including responsibilities for developed nations.

15.3.5 Fifth Phase: Post-Rio Developments

  • Led to binding and non-binding agreements: Kyoto Protocol (1997), Paris Agreement (2015).
  • Shifted the focus to long-term strategies and low-carbon development.

15.4 Rio Declaration on Environment and Development

Adopted at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro (1992), the Rio Declaration consisted of 27 principles, including:

  • Precautionary Principle
  • Polluter Pays Principle
  • Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR)

It provided the philosophical foundation for international environmental law and led to the establishment of the UNFCCC.

15.5 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

  • Adopted in 1992.
  • Focuses on stabilizing GHG concentrations in the atmosphere.
  • Non-binding but provides a negotiating framework for future treaties.

15.6 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

  • Scientific body that assesses climate change data and projections.
  • Publishes Assessment Reports (ARs) — the most recent being AR6.
  • Influences international policy, including UNFCCC and Paris Agreement negotiations.

15.7 Climate Change and the North-South Debate

  • Developed nations (North): Historically responsible for most GHG emissions.
  • Developing nations (South): Emphasize the right to development.
  • CBDR principle: Developed countries should take the lead in reducing emissions and support developing nations.

15.8 Kyoto Protocol (1997)

  • First binding agreement under the UNFCCC.
  • Set emission reduction targets for developed countries (Annex I parties).
  • India and other developing countries were not legally bound.
  • Mechanisms introduced:
    • Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)
    • Joint Implementation (JI)
    • Emissions Trading

15.9 Copenhagen Summit 2009 (COP-15)

15.9.1 India and the Copenhagen Summit

  • India played a constructive role in the negotiations.
  • Advocated for equity, CBDR, and voluntary mitigation actions.

15.9.2 India’s Position

  • Rejected binding commitments.
  • Emphasized domestic actions like improving energy efficiency.

15.9.3 Impact of India’s Position

  • India gained recognition as a responsible negotiator.
  • Led to the creation of National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).

15.10 Paris Agreement (2015)

  • Legally binding on reporting and transparency, but voluntary emission targets (NDCs).
  • Goal: Limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C.
  • All countries submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
  • Introduced global stocktake every 5 years.

India’s NDCs (Updated 2022):

  • Reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 from 2005 levels.
  • 50% cumulative electricity capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030.
  • Create a carbon sink of 2.5–3 billion tonnes of CO₂-equivalent.

15.11 India’s Response Framework

India's climate change strategy is development-oriented, combining mitigation with adaptation. It aligns with international frameworks while safeguarding national interests.

15.12 National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)

Launched in 2008 with eight core missions:

  1. National Solar Mission
  2. National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency
  3. National Mission on Sustainable Habitat
  4. National Water Mission
  5. National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem
  6. National Mission for a Green India
  7. National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change
  8. National Bio-Energy Mission (later added)

15.13 State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs)

Each Indian state has developed a localized action plan aligned with NAPCC. Some examples:

15.13.1 Tamil Nadu

  • Focus on urban planning, coastal protection, and climate-resilient agriculture.

15.13.2 Delhi

  • Emphasizes air pollution, energy efficiency, public transport, and urban forestry.

15.13.3 Jharkhand

  • Focuses on livelihood protection, climate-resilient agriculture, and forest conservation.

15.14 Assessment of State Action Plans on Climate Change

  • SAPCCs show increased regional ownership of climate policy.
  • Challenges include:
    • Limited funding
    • Institutional capacity gaps
    • Need for data integration and monitoring frameworks
  • States like Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Himachal Pradesh have made good progress.

15.15 Let Us Sum Up

Climate change policy has evolved from scientific research to global legal frameworks such as UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, and Paris Agreement. India has taken significant steps both internationally and domestically to address climate change through the NAPCC and SAPCCs. However, balancing economic growth with climate action remains a challenge, especially for developing nations.

15.16 Key Words

  • Climate Change: Long-term change in temperature and weather patterns.
  • UNFCCC: International framework for climate change mitigation.
  • IPCC: Scientific body for climate research.
  • Kyoto Protocol: First legally binding climate agreement.
  • Paris Agreement: Global treaty with voluntary national targets.
  • NAPCC: India’s national climate strategy.
  • SAPCC: State-level climate action plans.

 

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