Why in News?

India has formally withdrawn its candidacy to host the 33rd Conference of the Parties (COP33) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2028. The decision follows a 'review of its commitments for 2028' and comes amid speculation that India may be avoiding the logistical and financial burden of hosting multiple high-profile international events, including a possible 2030 Commonwealth Games.

Experts suggest the withdrawal could affect India’s standing as a leader of the Global South, particularly in advocating for climate finance and equitable burden-sharing. With confirmed hosts for COP31 (2026) — Australia and Turkey — and COP32 (2027) — Ethiopia — South Korea remains the only declared bidder for COP33.

What is the UNFCCC?

Overview

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is the foundational international treaty addressing climate change. Adopted in 1992 at the Rio Earth Summit and entering into force in 1994, it has near-universal membership with 198 Parties.

Objectives

  • Stabilize greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that prevents dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.
  • Enable ecosystems to adapt naturally, ensure food production is not threatened, and allow sustainable economic development.

Key Principles

  • Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC): Recognizes that while all countries must act, developed nations bear greater historical responsibility and must lead in mitigation and provide financial and technological support to developing countries.
  • Sustainable Development: Climate actions must support development goals and ecological resilience.

Institutional Mechanisms

Conference of the Parties (COP)
  • The supreme decision-making body of the UNFCCC.
  • Meets annually to assess progress, negotiate agreements, and review Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
  • India hosted COP8 in 2002 in New Delhi — its only COP so far.
UNFCCC Secretariat
  • Based in Bonn, Germany.
  • Provides administrative, technical, and analytical support for climate negotiations.
Transparency Framework
  • Parties must submit regular reports:
  • National Communications
  • Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs)
  • Detailing GHG inventories, mitigation actions, and support received.
Financial Mechanisms

The UNFCCC oversees several funds to assist developing countries:

  • Green Climate Fund (GCF): Largest dedicated climate fund; crossed $20 billion in financing for over 350 projects.
  • Global Environment Facility (GEF): Provides seed funding for environmental initiatives.
  • Adaptation Fund: Supports concrete adaptation projects (e.g., sea walls, drought-resistant agriculture).
  • Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD): Assists vulnerable nations in recovering from irreversible climate impacts (e.g., extreme floods, sea-level rise).

Major Agreements Under UNFCCC

  • Kyoto Protocol (1997): First binding emission reduction targets for developed countries.
  • Paris Agreement (2015): Landmark accord aiming to limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C, above pre-industrial levels.

Hosting Rotation

  • COP hosting rotates among five UN regional groups:
  1. African States
  2. Asia-Pacific States
  3. Eastern European States
  4. Latin American and Caribbean States
  5. Western European and Other States
  • India belongs to the Asia-Pacific group.

Global Stocktake (GST)

  • A 5-year cycle to assess collective progress toward Paris Agreement goals.
  • Acts as a 'global health check' on climate action.
  • First GST concluded in 2023 — found the world off track.
  • Second GST scheduled for 2028, coinciding with COP33.

India’s Updated Climate Commitments (March 2026)

India revised its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with the following targets by 2035:

  • 60% of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources.
  • Reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 47% (from 2005 level).
  • Increase carbon sink by 3.5–4 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent through additional forest and tree cover.

These updates signal stronger climate ambition but also increase expectations for leadership in multilateral forums like COP.

Implications of India’s Withdrawal

  • Logistical Relief: Avoids strain from hosting back-to-back global summits.
  • Strategic Pause: May reflect recalibration of diplomatic priorities.
  • Leadership Concerns: Could weaken India’s voice in shaping climate finance architecture, especially ahead of the 2028 GST.
  • Global South Representation: Raises questions about developing countries’ ability to host major climate events without adequate support.

UPSC Relevance

  • Prelims: Facts on UNFCCC, COP, GST, climate funds.
  • Mains (GS Paper 3): Climate change, environmental degradation, conservation, India’s NDCs.
  • Mains (GS Paper 2): International institutions, India’s role in global governance.