Context

At the 11th BRICS Environment Ministers' Meeting in Brasília, Brazil, India urged its BRICS partners to unite in advancing the Baku to Belém Roadmap, a crucial initiative aimed at mobilizing USD 1.3 trillion annually for supporting Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and ensuring global sustainable climate action.

Baku to Belém Roadmap to 1.3T

The Baku to Belém Roadmap is an initiative under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that seeks to mobilize USD 1.3 trillion annually by 2035 to support climate action in developing countries. This funding is essential for helping nations achieve their NDCs and advance climate-resilient development pathways.

COP-29:

At the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP-29) in Baku, developed countries committed to providing USD 300 billion per year by 2035 to aid developing nations in their climate efforts.

·        However, this pledge falls significantly short of the USD 1.3 trillion target sought by developing countries, highlighting the need for stronger financial commitments.

COP-30:

The 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 30) will be held in Belém, Brazil, from November 10 to 21, 2025. The summit will focus on strengthening international cooperation and enhancing climate action.

·        India and other developing nations aim to push for increased climate funding at COP-30 to bridge the financial gap left by COP-29 commitments.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)

NDCs are voluntary climate action plans submitted by countries to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change impacts. While not legally binding, countries are required to regularly update and report their NDC progress, in alignment with the Paris Agreement targets to limit global warming.

The Paris Agreement: A Global Climate Commitment

Adopted at COP-21 in 2015, the Paris Agreement is a legally binding treaty aimed at limiting global temperature rise to well below 2°C, with an aspirational target of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Importance of NDCs

NDCs play a vital role in:

• Translating global commitments into national action.
• Providing clear emissions reduction targets and tracking progress.
• Aligning national policies with sustainable development goals.
• Encouraging investment in clean energy and climate solutions.

Key Components of Strong NDCs

Effective NDCs include:

• Clear emission reduction targets across sectors like energy and transport.
• Concrete projects and policies to drive climate solutions.
• Robust monitoring systems to track progress.
• Financial strategies for funding green initiatives and job creation.

Global Impact and Country-Specific Commitments

NDCs are instrumental in measuring collective progress toward global climate goals. Ahead of COP-26, over 170 countries submitted their NDCs on time. Some nations, like Britain and Chile, have gone a step further by making their NDCs legally binding, ensuring stronger enforcement at the national level.

Conclusion

The Baku to Belém Roadmap represents a significant step toward mobilizing adequate climate finance. With India and BRICS countries advocating for stronger commitments, COP-30 presents a critical opportunity to bridge the funding gap and secure the resources needed for a sustainable and resilient future