New Delhi, Nov 8 (UNI) Calling out the inadequacy of global climate ambition, India on Friday urged developed nations to accelerate emission cuts and deliver promised climate finance as it joined Brazil’s new global fund for preserving tropical forests as an observer.
Indian Ambassador to Brazil Dinesh Bhatia reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to multilateralism and the Paris Agreement as he outlined India’s stance at the Leaders’ Summit of COP30 in Belem, Brazil.
“India welcomes and supports Brazil's initiative in establishing the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF), representing a significant step towards collective and sustained global action for the preservation of tropical forests,” said the Indian delegate announcing India’s joining the Brazil-led tropical forest fund as an observer.
On Thursday, TFFF was launched as a global fund to reward tropical countries for protecting and expanding forests. The ambition is to mobilise around USD 125 billion through public and private investment.
Returns from these funds will be used to pay nations that conserve forests. Nations including Norway ($3bn over a decade), France ($500mn), Brazil ($1bn), and Indonesia ($1bn) have committed to these funds raising over $5.5bn as starting capital.
Addressing world leaders during the plenary session, Bhatia hailed COP30, which marks the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, as an opportune time to reflect on our response to the challenge of global warming and to celebrate the legacy of the Rio Summit, where the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities were adopted.
He pointed out that global climate ambition remains “inadequate” and that “many nations’ NDC (nationally determined contributions) fall short,” even ten years after the Paris Agreement.
“While developing countries continue to take decisive climate action, developed countries that have disproportionately appropriated the global carbon budget must accelerate emission reductions and deliver the promised, adequate, and predictable support,” the Ambassador said.
The Indian delegate emphasised that developed countries must meet their net-zero commitments earlier than declared, while also investing heavily in achieving net-negative emissions.
While acknowledging the importance of mitigation, India stressed the need to focus on adaptation measures to address climate risks and vulnerabilities at the local level, particularly in developing countries.
“For developing nations like India, access to affordable finance, technology and capacity building is vital to implement ambitious NDCs,” the ambassador asserted.
Equitable, predictable, and concessional climate finance remains the cornerstone for achieving global climate goals, he added.
Bhatia asserted India’s commitment to collaborate with all nations to implement solutions and transition to sustainability in ways that are ambitious, inclusive, fair, and equitable.
Rooting for a climate action based on mutual trust and fairness, he urged the nations to ensure that the next decade of climate action is defined not only by targets but by implementation, resilience, and shared responsibility.
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