Context:

• The Prime Minister of India is set to attend the World Climate Action Summit (WCAS) in Dubai, UAE, during the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 28).

World Climate Action Summit (WCAS)

• The WCAS, also known as the “high-level segment,” is part of COP-28 where world leaders or their representatives meet. 
• They are expected to make statements regarding their countries’ intent and contributions to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.

India’s Climate Targets and Previous Commitments:

• During the 26th COP in Glasgow, Scotland in 2021, Prime Minister announced specific climate targets known as “Panchamrit.”
  • Achieve “net zero” or carbon neutrality by 2070.
  • Install at least 500 gigawatts (GW) of non-fossil energy by 2030.
  • Cut carbon emissions by a billion tonnes.
  • Reduce the carbon-intensity of the economy by 45%.
  • Meet half of India’s energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030.

India’s Leadership in Climate Change:

• Climate change was a priority during India’s G20 Presidency, with commitments to triple installed renewable energy capacity sources by 2030.
• COP28 seen as an opportunity to build on these successes.

About UNFCCC:

The UNFCCC secretariat (UN Climate Change) is the United Nations entity tasked with supporting the global response to the threat of climate change.

Origin:

• The UNFCCC, signed in 1992 at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development also known as the Earth Summit, the Rio Summit, or the Rio Conference.
• The UNFCCC entered into force on March 21, 1994.
• The Convention has near universal membership (197 Parties). 
• Secretariat: Bonn, Germany.
• UNFCCC’s Institutional Arrangements:
• • The Conference of the Parties (COP)
  • COP President and Bureau
  • Subsidiary Bodies (SBs)
  • The Secretariat

About COP:

• COP stands for Conference of the Parties, with “parties” referring to the 197 nations that agreed to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
• It is the apex decision-making body of UNFCCC.
• It reviews the national commitments and emission inventories submitted by Parties. Based on this information, the COP assesses the progress made in achieving the ultimate objective of the Convention.

News Source: The Hindu