Climate Change and COP30 Preparations – Prelims Pointer

Climate Change and COP30 Preparations

Climate change is one of the most significant global challenges today. Rising global temperatures, the increasing intensity of natural disasters, and adverse impacts on ecosystems have pushed nations to take collective action. COP30 (Conference of Parties), the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference, will be held in Belém, Brazil, in 2025. This conference is a crucial step in addressing climate change globally.

Significance of COP30

1. Importance of the Venue:
   • Belém is located near the Amazon Rainforest, often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth.”
   • The Amazon plays a vital role in maintaining the global ecosystem.
   • For the first time, the conference will be held in a location at the center of the climate crisis.
2. Global Objectives:
   • To limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C.
   • To control greenhouse gas emissions.
   • To provide financial support to developing and underdeveloped countries for climate adaptation.
3. Role of Brazil:
   • Under Brazil’s leadership, special attention will be given to protecting and preserving the Amazon.
   • Plans will be discussed to prevent deforestation and promote afforestation.

Major Climate Change Issues

1. Global Temperature Rise:
   • According to the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), the global average temperature has already risen by 1.1°C.
   • If current trends continue, it could rise beyond 2°C, leading to catastrophic consequences.
2. Natural Disasters:
   • The frequency and intensity of disasters like floods, droughts, wildfires, and cyclones are increasing.
   • The economic impact of climate-related disasters has already reached billions of dollars annually.
3. Agriculture and Food Security:
   • Crop yields are declining due to unpredictable weather patterns.
   • Droughts and floods are threatening food security across the globe.
4. Climate Finance:
   • Developing nations need financial support to adopt green technologies and combat climate challenges.
   • While COP27 and COP28 proposed the “Loss and Damage Fund,” its implementation is still pending.

Priorities for COP30

1. Amazon Conservation:
   • Stopping deforestation and promoting reforestation in the Amazon.
   • Collaborative efforts by Brazil and neighboring countries.
2. Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
   • Setting stricter global targets for carbon emissions.
   • Promoting renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and bioenergy.
3. Climate Finance:
   • Financial assistance for green projects in developing countries.
   • Activating the “Loss and Damage Fund.”
4. Global Partnerships:
   • Strengthening cooperation between developed and developing nations.
   • Sharing innovative green technologies.

India’s Role

1. Leadership of the Global South:
   • India will advocate for the concerns of developing nations at COP30.
   • It will push for climate justice, ensuring the needs and challenges of developing nations are prioritized.
2. Contribution to Renewable Energy:
   • India will strengthen its “International Solar Alliance” initiative.
   • Aims to generate 50% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030.
3. Promotion of Green Technology:
   • India will showcase its “Mission LiFE” (Lifestyle for Environment) at COP30, promoting sustainable lifestyles.

Steps Needed to Combat Climate Change

1. Strict Policies:
   • Countries must set carbon emission limits.
   • Industries causing significant pollution need stricter regulations.
2. Public Awareness:
   • Increase awareness about the dangers of climate change.
   • Encourage sustainable living practices among individuals.
3. Global Cooperation:
   • Developed nations must provide climate finance to developing countries.
   • Share resources and green technologies to accelerate global progress.

Conclusion

COP30 could prove to be a historic opportunity to tackle climate change. Under Brazil’s presidency, the focus will be on protecting sensitive ecological regions like the Amazon. India and other developing countries must ensure that global climate policies are equitable and effective for all. If all countries take concrete action, it will be possible to limit global temperature rise and make the Earth a better place.

UPSC Prelims के लिए संभावित प्रश्न (Objective Type )

1. Consider the following statements:
   • 1. COP30 will be held in Belém, Brazil.
     2. Amazon Rainforest is often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth.”
     3. Loss and Damage Fund was proposed during COP27.
        Which of the above statements are correct?
   • (a) 1 and 2 only
   • (b) 2 and 3 only
   • (c) 1, 2, and 3
   • (d) None of the above
     Answer: (c)

2. Which of the following correctly describes the primary focus of COP30?

• (a) Reducing deforestation in the Amazon rainforest.
• (b) Achieving a global temperature rise limit of 1.5°C.
• (c) Mobilizing climate finance for developing nations.
• (d) All of the above.
  Answer: (d)

Potential Questions for UPSC Mains (Descriptive Type)

Question 1: “The conservation of the Amazon rainforest can play a crucial role in solving the climate crisis.” Discuss in the context of COP30.
Hints:

• Importance of the Amazon
• Deforestation and its impacts
• Potential steps at COP30

Question 2: Discuss the concept of climate finance and explain why it is crucial for developing countries.
Hints:

• Meaning of climate finance
• Importance of the “Loss and Damage Fund”
• Benefits for developing countries

Question 3: How can India’s “Mission LiFE” initiative help address climate change issues?
Hints:

• Concept of Mission LiFE
• Importance of sustainable lifestyles
• India’s role in global cooperation

Question 4: What impact has climate change had on global food security? What steps can be expected at COP30 to address this issue?
Hints:

• Climate change and crop production
• Impact on food security
• Possible solutions

Question Formation Insights:

1. Prelims questions are mostly fact-based and concept-oriented.
2. Mains questions focus on analytical and descriptive aspects.
3. Students should have knowledge of current affairs along with basic concepts.
4. Practice writing answers with in-depth analysis and relevant examples.