Mains Practice Questions

Approach :

• Briefly introduce the concepts of climate justice and carbon markets.
• Critically evaluate India’s position on these concepts.
• Discuss their relevance for equitable sustainable development.
• Provide conclusion linked with SDG Goals.

Introduction:

Climate justice and carbon markets have become pivotal issues in global climate negotiations. Climate justice emphasizes fairness in addressing climate change, acknowledging the historical responsibility of developed nations. Carbon markets, on the other hand, focus on trading emission reductions, enabling cost-effective mitigation. For India, both concepts are central in balancing development imperatives with environmental obligations.

Body

India’s Position on Climate Justice

• Principle of CBDR-RC (Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities):India consistently argues that developed nations, with their historical emissions, must take the lead in mitigation. This stance aligns with equity and justice.
• Right to Development:India emphasizes that climate policies must not obstruct poverty alleviation, industrialization, and energy access for its population.
• Equity in Global Carbon Space:India advocates for a fair share in the remaining carbon budget, highlighting per capita emissions that remain significantly lower than global averages.
  • India’s per capita CO₂ emissions (2022) stood at 1.9 tonnes, compared to the US (14.4 tonnes) and China (8.5 tonnes).
• Judicial Endorsement: The Supreme Court in M.C. Mehta v. Kamal Nath (1997) and subsequent rulings reinforced the principle of intergenerational equity, echoing India’s climate justice approach.

India’s Approach to Carbon Markets

• Supportive yet Cautious: India participates in carbon markets under the Paris Agreement but stresses that they must be equitable, transparent, and supportive of sustainable development.
• Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Experience: India was one of the largest beneficiaries of the Kyoto Protocol’s CDM, hosting over 1500 projects, which generated employment, technology transfer, and foreign investment.
• New Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (2023): India launched a domestic framework to promote carbon trading, aligned with its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
• Concerns:
  • Risk of “green colonialism,” where developed nations offload their responsibility by purchasing cheap credits from the Global South.
  • Fear of market manipulation and lack of equitable benefit-sharing.

Relevance for Equitable Sustainable Development

• Addressing Inequalities: Climate justice ensures that low-income communities and vulnerable nations are not disproportionately burdened.
• Employment and Green Growth: Carbon markets can generate green jobs in renewable energy, afforestation, and energy efficiency.
• Financial Resources: Effective carbon trading can mobilize climate finance for India’s transition towards renewables and resilient infrastructure.
• Energy Transition Goals: India aims for 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, and carbon markets could facilitate the financial and technological resources needed.

Conclusion:

India’s stance reflects a balancing act—protecting developmental rights while participating in global mitigation efforts.This approach supports SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), linking environmental responsibility with sustainable and inclusive growth.