Talks ahead - COP 22

The 22nd session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 22) on climate change is going to be held in Marrakesh, Morocco from November 7 – 18. This COP is going to be more significant than the Paris as it sets the ball rolling.

In Paris, December last year, countries agreed to limit increase in global average temperature to well below 2 degree Celsius and pursue efforts to limit to 1.5 degree Celsius. On 5^th October 2016, the threshold for entry into force - 55 countries and 55% of global emissions - was met, meaning that the Paris Agreement will enter into force on 4 November 2016. So far 86 countries have ratified it.

Now is the time for some major decisions and framework. The guidelines and procedures of the agreement are to be laid out now. Its structure is very crucial on how the countries go on with their low carbon future.

For matters to become reality, discussion on finance is very important. Climate finance was a hot topic in Paris talks. Developed countries have agreed to mobilize 100 billion dollar per year but this is not legally binding.  India is highly committed to reducing its emissions and turning green. But this is not possible without financial and technological support as India has to meet its developmental needs to address poverty. One of the main agenda to be discussed and concreted would be the mobilizing of green climate fund and technology transfer from the developed nations. This should be a legally binding in the agreement.  How, how much and what counts as financial resources will be the hot topic in COP22.  Further the mitigation finance need to be increased to combat current climate change problems.

Another important discussion India aims to bring to table is the road map for 2016-2020. Paris agreement comes into force from 2020. So the time period from now to 2020 is crucial for mobilizing, and meets the determined goals in a systemic manner. India also trying to bring notice on the high energy lifestyle and consumption of the developed world and hold it accountable.

COP22 will be significant as to how the responsibility is shared among the nations.  For  practical and fair future scenario, developed countries should take historic responsibility and help developing countries combat climate change.  All countries have set their mandate for discussions and hopefully a stronger agreement will turn out.  

Anu Kuncheria