UNFCCC COP29: Climate Action & Agreements

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)

• There is no information about Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in this text

International Conferences, Conventions and Initiatives

UNFCCC COP29

• COP29 of UNFCCC took place in Baku, Azerbaijan, concluding with the Baku Climate Unity Pact and other agreements.
• COP is the UNFCCC's primary decision-making body, with members convening annually to assess climate progress and establish commitments.
• COP30 will be held in Belém, Brazil, in November 2025.
• The first CoP meeting took place in Berlin, Germany, in 1995.

Key Outcomes of COP29

• Aims for climate action financing in developing countries.
  • Goal to triple finance to USD 300 billion annually by 2035 (previous goal: 100 billion).
  • Efforts to mobilize $1.3 trillion annually by 2035 from public and private sources.

Carbon Markets and Article 6

• Rules for Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, relating to international carbon markets, were finalized.

Transparency

• All transparency negotiating items concluded, including Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF).
  • ETF sets up a system for countries to report on their climate actions, including GHG emissions, mitigation and adaptation efforts, etc.
• 1st submissions of Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs) by 13 counties under the Paris Agreement.
  • BTRs are the regular reports submitted by countries under ETF.
• Baku Declaration on Global Climate Transparency and Baku Global Climate Transparency Platform are launched to support the full implementation of the ETF.

Adaptation

• The Baku Adaptation Road Map was launched to advance adaptation implementation as per Article 7 of the Paris Agreement.
• The Baku High-Level Dialogue on Adaptation enhances the UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience implementation.
• A support program is being established for implementing National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) for Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
  • NAPs outline a country's medium- and long-term strategies and priorities for adapting to climate change impacts.

Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities

• The Baku Workplan was adopted and the mandate of the Facilitative Working Group (FWG) of the Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform (LCIPP) was renewed
  • FWG was established at COP24 in Katowice to further operationalize LCIPP.
  • Implementation of the Workplan will begin in 2025 with 3 Focus areas: knowledge exchange; Capacity building for engagement; integrating diverse values and knowledge systems into climate policies.

Gender and Climate Change

• The enhanced Lima Work Programme on Gender and Climate Change was extended for another 10 years.
  • The Lima Work Programme on Gender (established in COP 20, 2014) seeks to include gender considerations under the Convention and Paris Agreement.
  • At COP 25 Parties agreed a 5-year enhanced Lima work programme on gender and its gender action plan was launched.

Issues Pending

• A deadlock on the Mitigation Work Programme (MWP) persists due to divisions over the role of fossil fuels, with the Global Stocktake assessment becoming a point of contention.
• The next round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) has been postponed ahead of COP30.

About United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

• It was adopted in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro and entered into force in 1994.
• Headquarters are located in Bonn, Germany.
• The objective is to stabilize greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations in the atmosphere to prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.
• It has 198 Parties, including India.
• Key agreements:
  • Kyoto Protocol (1997): Binding commitments for developed nations to reduce GHG emissions.
  • Paris Agreement (2015): Global accord to limit temperature rise below 2°C, aiming for 1.5°C.

KEY INITIATIVES/DECLARATIONS LAUNCHED AT COP29

Reducing Methane from Organic Waste Declaration

• Launched by the UNEP-convened Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC).
  • Sets sectoral targets to reduce methane from organic waste.
  • Supports the implementation of the 2021 Global Methane Pledge (GMP), launched at COP26.
  • Signed by 35 countries (excluding India), representing 47% of global methane emissions from organic waste.

Global Energy Storage and Grids Pledge

• Launched by the COP29 Presidency.
  • Sets targets for 2030.
  • Aims to deploy 1,500 GW of energy storage in the power sector globally, more than six times the level of 2022.
  • The global grid deployment goal is to add or refurbish 25 million kilometers of grids.

Green Energy Pledge, Green Energy Zones and Corridors.

• Launched by the COP29 Presidency with UNIDO, UNECE, and UNESCAP.
  • Promotes green energy zones for tackling climate change.
  • Green energy zones act as centralized hubs for renewable energy resources, renewable energy infrastructure, and storage.

Hydrogen Declaration

• Launched by the COP29 Presidency.
  • Aims to accelerate the production and use of clean hydrogen.
  • It is a non-legally binding document not requiring changes to participating countries’ national law.

Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative for Farmers

• Launched by the COP29 Presidency in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
  • Acknowledges the fundamental role of farmers as agents of climate action.
  • Hosted by FAO as part of the Food and Agriculture for Sustainable Transformation (FAST) Partnership.
  • FAST is a multi-stakeholder platform established at COP27 (2022) to strengthen quantity and quality of climate finance in agrifood systems.

Climate Finance Action Fund (CFAF)

• Launched by Azerbaijan.
  • Supports climate projects in developing countries.
  • Seeks to meet next generation NDCs to keep within 1.5-degree C.
  • Capitalized by contributions from fossil fuel producing countries and companies.
  • Operationalized post conclusion of initial fundraising round ($1 billion), when 10 contributing countries committed as shareholders.
  • Headquarters are located in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Baku Initiative for Climate Finance, Investment and Trade Dialogue

• Launched by the COP29 Presidency in partnership with UNCTAD and UNDP.
  • Aims to advance national ambitions and actions through climate finance, investment, and trade as per UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement.

Global Matchmaking Platform

• Launched by UNIDO and the Climate Club.
  • Accelerates the decarbonization of heavy-emitting industries in emerging and developing economies.
  • Connects industries with technical and financial solutions.
  • Serves as a single-point gateway to raise decarbonization requests.

Declaration on Green Digital Action

• Launched by the COP29 Presidency
  • Harnesses digital technologies to accelerate climate action, promote sustainable development, and bridge the digital divide.

Continuity Coalition for Climate and Health

• Launched by the COP29 Presidency.
  • Advances the implementation of health commitments from previous COPs and integrates health into climate action with the UAE, Egypt, UK, Brazil, and WHO.

Baku Dialogue on Water for Climate Action

• Launched by the COP29 Presidency in partnership with UNEP, UNECE, and WMO.
  • Builds collaboration between COPs on water and its interplay with climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and desertification.

1.5° Partnership for Action on Climate Transition (PACT)

• Launched by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
  • Fosters stronger collaboration between the private sector and governments for achieving the 1.5°C-aligned Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by 2025.
  • Mobilizes the financial sector and supports the creation of Transition Plans.
  • Works through local financial centers, including FC4S Programme members.

Other Initiatives

• COP29 Declaration on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism: Mobilizes the tourism sector to reduce its carbon footprint, enhance climate resilience, and promote sustainable practices.
• Global Energy Efficiency Alliance: Launched by UAE to double global energy efficiency rates by 2030
• Hydro4NetZero-LAC initiative: Aims to develop and modernise sustainable hydropower infrastructure.
• Global Alliance for Pumped Storage (GAPS): Launched with over 30 governments and international agencies.
• Independent High-Level Expert Group on Climate Finance published a report titled ‘Raising Ambition and Accelerating Delivery of Climate Finance’.
  • Global Investment Required for climate action around $6.3–6.7 trillion per year by 2030.

INDIA AT COP29

India’s stance

• Proposed a goal of $1.3 trillion annually under NCQG, with $600 billion coming from grants or equivalent resources.
• Opposed changes to the scope of the Mitigation Work Programme (MWP) and attempts to alter temperature goals in the Paris Agreement.
• Asserted that developed countries should provide financial and technological support to developing countries for just transition.
• Opposed follow-up mechanisms for Global Stocktake (GST) outcomes.
  • Criticized the UAE dialogue text for its lack of connection to finance, imbalance, and mitigation-centric language.
  • GST is a process for countries to see whether they are collectively making progress towards meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement once every 5 years.
• Called for clear indicators to measure progress on adaptation and supported the establishment of the Baku Road Map.
• Opposed the use of third-party databases.

India at COP29 Side-events

• Disaster Resilient Infrastructure: With CDRI, focused on climate-resilient infrastructure; $8M for 12 Small Island Developing States (SIDS) projects announced.
• LeadIT Meet: Co-hosted with Sweden, aimed at accelerating low-carbon industry transitions.
• Energy Transitions with the Global south: With ISA, spotlighted solar energy's role in developing nations' energy shift.
• Others: India-Sweden Industry Transition Partnership (ITP), etc.

ARTICLE 6

• After a decade of negotiations, the rules for carbon trading under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement have been finalized.

About Article 6 of the Paris Agreement

• Provides mechanisms for countries to cooperate in achieving their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) through carbon markets, which consist of two market-based and one non-market-based approach.
• Carbon Market: A trading system where entities buy carbon credits to offset their GHGs by supporting projects that reduce or remove emissions.
  • One tradable carbon credit generally equals one metric tonne of carbon dioxide, or the equivalent amount of a different greenhouse gas reduced, sequestered or avoided.
• Carbon trading was introduced by Kyoto Protocol in 1997.

Mechanisms under Article 6

• Market based approaches include Article 6.2 and Article 6.4
• Non-Market based approach includes Article 6.8

Article 6.2

• Decentralized approach for bilateral cooperation.
• Trading of International Transferred Mitigation outcomes (ITMOs) (emissions reductions that result from mitigation actions).
• Corresponding adjustment in NDCs are made on trade of ITMOs.

Article 6.4

• Centralized approach termed as Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (PACM).
• Establishes a global carbon market.
• Uses Baseline-and-crediting mechanism.

Article 6.8

• Introduces non-market approaches to promote mitigation and adaptation.
• No trading of emission reductions is involved.
• Involves more than one participating Party.

About Corresponding adjustment (Article 6.2)

• Changes made in a countries’ emissions levels to reflect the transfer (export) or acquisition (import) of ITMOs.
• Made for 3 different cases based on different types of targets and measures in NDCs:
  • GHG metrics: E.g., economy-wide annual levels of GHG emissions
  • Non-GHG metrics: E.g., installed capacity of renewable energy in MW
  • Policies and measures within a country’s NDCs

Difference between Carbon trading of Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement

• Aspect, Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement (Article 6)
  • Scope of Participation
    • Limited to developed countries (Annex I) with project hosting by developing countries.
    • Inclusive of all countries.
  • Adaptation Funding
    • Share of proceeds from CDM projects directed to the Adaptation Fund.
    • 5% of proceeds from Article 6.4 transactions allocated to the Global Adaptation Fund.
  • Market Scope
    • Focused on project-based mechanisms like Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Joint Implementation (JI).
    • Combines market-based and non-market-based approaches.
  • Legacy Credits
    • Allowed use of older credits from inactive projects, causing oversupply concerns.
    • Restricts legacy credit use; only post-2013 credits.

CLIMATE FINANCE

About NCQG

• Proposed at COP21 for setting a new climate finance goal post-2025, following the unmet $100 billion annual target set in 2009.
• Article 9 of the Paris Agreement mandates developed countries to provide financial support to developing nations.

About Climate finance

• It is local, national or transnational funding from public, private and alternative sources to support climate change mitigation and adaptation, particularly in developing countries vulnerable to climate change (UNFCCC).
• Key facts about climate finance
  • 90% of climate finance goes to mitigation actions (UNDP).
  • ~ 94% of existing climate investment is either through debt or equity (return seeking) (Climate Policy Initiative).

Global Financial mechanisms under UNFCCC

Loss and Damage Fund (LDF)

• Established during COP27 held in Egypt and operationalized in COP28, Dubai to provide financial assistance to countries vulnerable countries.

Green Climate Fund (GCF)

• Established in COP 16, 2010, for developed countries to mobilise US$ 100 billion per year by 2020 to support developing countries realize their NDC ambitions.

Adaptation Fund

• Established in 2001 to finance concrete adaptation projects and programmes in developing country Parties to the Kyoto Protocol.
• Receives 5% share of proceeds from new market-based UNFCCC mechanism established by Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement

Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF)

• Established in 2001 (COP7) to finance projects on adaptation; technology transfer, etc.
• Administered by Global Environment Facility (GEF).

Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF)

• Established in 2001 (COP7) to assist Least Developed Country Parties for National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPAs).
• Administered by Global Environment Facility (GEF).

Related News

• The Board for Loss and Damage Fund decided to call fund as “Fund to respond to Loss and Damage” (FrLD).
  • Loss and damage refer to the negative consequences that arise from unavoidable risks of climate change, like rising sea levels, prolonged heatwaves, desertification, ocean acidification etc.
• About FrLD
  • Established in COP27 of UNFCCC in Sharm el-Sheikh (Egypt) in 2022.
  • Host country for Board of the fund: Philippines
  • Purpose: Help developing countries compensate for losses and damages.

GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY (GEF)

Key Outcomes

• Funding has been mobilized for Projects from the GEF Trust Fund, Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF), and Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF), which together are part of the GEF family of funds.
• Includes Projects like Great Green Wall (GGW), Sustainable Cities Integrated Program (SCIP) etc.
  • GGW focused on restoring landscapes and ecosystems across the Sahel region of Africa.
  • SCIP is a 20-country program aim to catalyze urban system transformation.
• Also includes 2 Indian Projects-
  • Enhancing the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity to meet commitment to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework targets.
  • CoHABITAT – Conservation and sustainable management of wetlands forest and grassland to secure the population of migratory species along the Central Asian Flyway in India.
• These projects are implemented by the UNDP along with Indian Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change acting as the executive agency.

About Global Environment Facility (GEF)

• Partnership of 18 agencies to address world’s most challenging environmental issues.
• Genesis: Established in 1992 during the eve of Rio Earth Summit.
• Governance: GEF Council is the main governing body.
• Functions: Serves as financial mechanism to five conventions
  • United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
  • Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
  • United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
  • Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
  • Minamata Convention on Mercury
• GEF Trustee: World Bank
• Member countries: 186 countries (including India).
• Secretariat: Washington, D.C (US).
• Key Initiatives and Focus Areas:
  • Small Grants Programme (SGP): Supports community-led initiatives in conservation.
  • Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF): Supports adaptation projects in vulnerable nations.
  • Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF): Focuses on addressing climate variability.
  • PlanetGOLD: Aims to reduce mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining.
  • Blue Nature Alliance: conserves Ocean and marine biodiversity.

ANTARCTIC TREATY

• 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) and 26th Committee on Environmental Protection (CEP) concluded in India.

More in the news

• These were hosted by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India.
  • NCPOR was established as an autonomous Research and Development Institution in 1998.
• Measures, Decisions and Resolutions, adopted at the ATCM, give effect to the principles of the Antarctic Treaty.

About Antarctic Treaty

• Genesis: Signed in Washington, in 1959 by 12 countries & entered into force in 1961.
• Members: 57 out of which 29 are consultative parties (participate in the decision-making).
  • India has been a Consultative Party since 1983.
• Applicability: The area south of 60° South latitude.
• Key provisions
  • Antarctica shall be used for peaceful purposes only.
  • Facilitate international scientific cooperation in Antarctica.
  • Prohibits nuclear explosions, radioactive waste disposal, and military deployments in Antarctica.
• Other efforts to safeguard Antarctica
  • Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals, 1972.
  • Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, 1982 (Ratified by India)
  • Protocol on Environmental Protection to Antarctic Treaty (Madrid Protocol), 1991 (Signed by India)

OTHER INITIATIVES IN THE NEWS

CLIMATE TECHNOLOGY CENTRE AND NETWORK (CTCN)

• CTCN marks its 10th anniversary.
• Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark.
• Established in 2014, it is the implementation arm of Technology Mechanism of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
• It is hosted by the UN Environment Programme.
• It promotes accelerated transfer of environmentally sound technologies for low carbon and climate resilient development at the request of developing countries.

CLIMATE PROMISE INITIATIVE

• UN Development Programme unveiled Climate Promise 2025, next stage of its Climate Promise Initiative.

About Climate Promise Initiative

• It is an initiative to support developing countries on their climate action.
• It is world’s largest offer of support to developing countries on NDC (Nationally Determined Contribution) enhancement and implementation.
  • Each Party to Paris Agreement is required to establish an NDC, which includes targets for mitigating the greenhouse gas emissions and for adapting to climate impacts.
• Climate Promise 2025 aims to align next generation of developing countries’ NDCs to the goals of 2015 Paris Climate Agreement.

GREENING EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP

• UNESCO launched two new tools – new Greening Curriculum Guidance (GCG) and new Green School Quality Standards (GSQS) – under Greening Education Partnership.

About Greening Education Partnership

• It is a global initiative comprising 80 member states and supports countries to tackle the climate crisis by harnessing the critical role of education.
• New GCG: A practical manual providing, for the first time, a common understanding of what climate education should consist of and how countries can mainstream environmental topics across curricula, with detailed expected learning outcomes.
• New GSQS: It sets the minimum requirements on how to create a green school by promoting an action-oriented approach.

CLIMATE POLICY INITIATIVE (CPI)

• CPI released ‘Global Landscape of Climate Finance 2024’ during UNFCCC COP29.

About CPI

• An independent, not-for-profit organization with deep expertise in finance and policy.
• It was founded in 2009 to support nations building low-carbon economies to develop and implement effective climate, energy, and land use policies.
• Key Findings of report:
  • Climate flows are likely to have surpassed USD 1.5tn in 2023, with key increases in renewable energy (RE) and low-carbon transport.
  • Fossil fuel investment and consumer fossil fuel subsidies continued to increase annually since 2020.

SCIENCE BASED TARGETS INITIATIVE (SBTI)

• Climate experts voiced concerns regarding SBTi’s decision allowing companies to offset greenhouse gas emissions from their value chain.

About SBTi

• SBTi is a corporate climate action organization that enables companies and financial institutions worldwide to combat the climate crisis.
• It develops standards, tools, and guidance to meet corporate climate targets.
• It is incorporated as a charity.
• SBTi’s partners include, Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), United Nations Global Compact, We Mean Business Coalition, World Resources Institute (WRI), and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

NATIONAL INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENT STUDIES (NICES) PROGRAMME

• NICES programme has invited Indian researchers to join in combating climate change.

About NICES Programme

• Conceptualized in 2012, it is operated by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Department of Space along with other ministries under framework of National Action Plan on Climate Change.
• Its objective is generation and dissemination of long-term Essential Climate Variables, derived from Indian and other Earth Observation satellites, which are crucial for characterizing Earth’s climate.
• Now, aims to enhance participation of academia and research institutions in addressing climate change-related challenges through multidisciplinary scientific investigations

INTERNATIONAL NETWORK FOR TERRESTRIAL RESEARCH AND MONITORING IN THE ARCTIC (INTERACT)

• INTERACT is a project of large network of research stations focused on the Arctic and surrounding regions.

About INTERACT

• Research stations spread across various countries including northern Europe, Russia, US, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Faroe Islands and Scotland.
• The project is funded by the EU.
• Objective: Build capacity for identifying, understanding, predicting and responding to diverse environmental changes throughout the wide environmental and land-use envelopes of the Arctic.

MYAC (ONE MILLION YOUTH ACTIONS CHALLENGE)

• 1MYAC (One Million Youth Actions Challenge) is promoted by the One UN Climate Change Learning Partnership (UN CC: Learn)

About 1MYAC

• Aims to encourage youth aged 10 to 30 years old to take concrete actions for a more sustainable future.
• It works to promote four Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  • It includes SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), SDG 13 (climate action) and SDG 15 (life on land).
• UN CC: Learn is a collaborative initiative of 36 multilateral organizations working together to help countries build the knowledge and skills they need to take action on climate change.

CLIMATE MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION

GREEN CREDIT RULE

• Recently, the Ministry of Environment and Forests has issued further guidelines on its Green Credit Programme (GCP).

Key Provisions of the new guidelines

• Focus of work for plantation on degraded forest areas under GCP on their eco-restoration.
• Number of trees to be planted depends on site characteristics and vary as per site conditions.
• Activities for eco-restoration not to be limited to the plantation of trees and include other activities like Plantation of shrubs, herbs, grasses, Soil and moisture conservation works, Terracing, Rains water harvesting, etc.
• Preference to indigenous species.
• Cost estimates may be titled as 'Eco restoration of the identified degraded forests'.
• ICFRE instructs Forest Departments to conduct tree plantation within two years.

About Green Credit (GC)

• A singular unit of an incentive provided for a specified activity, delivering positive impact on the environment.
• They can be traded on a dedicated exchange, similar to carbon credits.

Green Credit vs Carbon Credit

• Green Credit Green Credit Program (GCP) operating under The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• Carbon Credit- Under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme under The Energy Conservation Act, 2001.
  • Green credits benefit individuals and communities, while carbon credits primarily benefit industries and corporations.
  • Green credit activities may qualify for carbon credits, leading to co-benefits like carbon emissions reduction, but not vice versa.

About Green Credit Program (GCP)

• Market-based mechanism for voluntary participation to incentivise environment positive actions by different stakeholders.
• Aim: Aligned with ‘LiFE'-'Lifestyle for Environment’ initiative; Encourage industries, companies, and other entities to meet their existing obligations or other obligations (voluntary).
• Eligible Activities include Tree plantations, Sustainable agriculture practices, etc.
• Established: Under “The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986” with MoEFCC as Nodal Agency.
• Governance Structure
  • An inter-ministerial Steering Committee.
  • The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) serves as the GCP Administrator, for program implementation, management, monitoring, and operation.
  • Project Registration, Verification and Issuance of Green Credits platforms established by ICFRE.

Other Carbon Market and Carbon Trading Mechanisms in India

• Carbon Credits Trading Scheme (CCTS), 2023: Introduced through amendments in the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022, it establishes Indian Carbon Market under two mechanisms:
  • Compliance mechanism: Mandatory program for the energy-intensive industries where Government will set GHG emission intensity targets.
    • Initially includes 9 sectors like Fertiliser, Iron & Steel, Pulp & Paper, Petrochemicals, Petroleum refinery, etc.
  • Offset mechanism: A voluntary project-based mechanism for entities not covered under compliance mechanism.
• Other Instruments:
  • Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme: Mandates large energy-intensive industries to reduce their specific energy consumption.
    • Industries that exceed their targets earn energy saving certificates (ESCerts), which can be traded with those who fall short.
    • It will be transitioned gradually to the compliance mechanism under CCTS.
  • Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) Scheme: A market-based instrument to promote renewable energy and facilitate compliance of renewable purchase obligations (RPO).
    • Value of REC is equivalent to 1MWh of electricity.

GREENWASHING

• Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued guidelines for ‘Prevention and Regulation of Greenwashing and Misleading Environmental Claims, 2024’.
• These guidelines are in furtherance to the Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisement, 2022.
• They shall be in addition to and not in derogation of other laws.

About Greenwashing

• Guidelines define it as any deceptive or misleading practice, which includes concealing, omitting, or hiding relevant information, by exaggerating, making vague, false, or unsubstantiated environmental claims.
• Also includes use of misleading words, symbols, or imagery, placing emphasis on positive environmental aspects while downplaying or concealing harmful attributes.

Key provisions of the guidelines

• Applicability: All environmental claims, a manufacturer, service provider, product seller, advertiser, or to an advertising agency or endorser whose service is availed for the advertisement of such products.
• Substantiation of Environmental claim: All environmental claims shall be supported by accessible verifiable evidence on independent studies and third-party certification.
• Adequate Disclosures:
  • Ensure all environmental claims in ads or communications are fully disclosed, either directly or through technology like QR codes or web links (for easy accessibility).
  • Claims must specify whether it refers to the good as a whole or part of it or manufacturing process, packaging, etc.
  • Avoid selectively presenting data to favorably highlight environmental claims.
• Aspirational or futuristic environmental claims: Such claims may be made only when clear and actionable plans have been developed for achievement of objectives.

Other Initiatives taken to prevent Greenwashing

• Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS): Eco-labelling of products and services called IS/ISO 14024:1999.
• Green Rating Project (GRP): By Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) that rates industrial units for their environmental friendliness.
• Indian Green Building Council (IGBC): A nonprofit organization that has developed a rating system for green buildings.
• SEBI’s Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR): It requires top 1000 listed companies to report their ESG (environmental, social and governance) performance in a standardized format.
• Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI): It requires that advertisements making environmental/ green claims be specific, accurate, and not misleading.
• Greenwashing TechSprint: Organized by Global Financial Innovation Network (GFIN) to develop a tool to help regulators tackle greenwashing in financial services.
  • Reserve Bank of India was a participant.

DIRECT AIR CAPTURE AND STORAGE (DAC+S) PLANT

• World’s largest DAC+S plant, Mammoth, started operation in Iceland.

About DAC+S Technology

• A Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) technology which captures CO2 directly from atmosphere at any location.
  • It is distinct from carbon capture which is generally carried out at point of emissions.
• CO2 can be permanently stored in deep geological formations (DAC+S) or used for various applications.

About CDR

• CDR refers to anthropogenic activities that remove CO2 from atmosphere and store it durably in geological, terrestrial, or ocean reservoirs.
• According to IPCC Sixth Assessment Report, CDR is a necessary element to achieve net-zero CO2 and GHG emissions.
• Other CDR technologies:
  • Afforestation/Reforestation and Soil Carbon Sequestration: Fixing atmospheric carbon in biomass and soils.
  • Enhanced Weathering: Mining of rocks containing minerals that naturally absorb CO2.
  • Ocean-based CDR: Ocean fertilisation (adding nutrients to upper layers), ocean alkalinity enhancement (transformation of CO2 as biocarbonate/carbonate), coastal blue carbon management etc.
  • Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS): Using biomass as energy for CDR and storing biogenic carbon geologically.

CO2-TO-METHANOL CONVERSION

• India’s first CO2-to-Methanol Pilot Plant has been proposed in Pune, Maharashtra
• Plant with capacity of 1.4 tons per day is being implemented under Public-Private Partnership with support from Department of Science and Technology.
• Plant in Pune will advance indigenous Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) technologies.

About CO2-to-Methanol Conversion

• CO2-to-methanol involves capturing carbon emissions before they enter atmosphere, from industrial sources like power plants or directly from air.
• Captured CO2 is then hydrogenated – reacted with hydrogen – to produce methanol.

About Methanol

• Also known as wood alcohol, it is a low carbon, hydrogen carrier fuel produced from high ash coal, agricultural residue, CO2 from thermal power plants and natural gas.
• It can replace petrol/diesel in the transport sector, energy sector and retail cooking (replacing LPG [partially], kerosene and wood charcoal).
• Initiatives in India for methanol production
  • NITI Aayog's 'Methanol Economy' programme is aimed at converting coal reserves and municipal solid waste into methanol.
  • Bureau of Indian Standards has notified 20% DME (Di-methyl Ether, a derivative of methanol) blending with LPG
  • Notification for M-15, M-85, M-100 blends has been issued by the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways.

About Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS)

• Refers to Group of technologies for capturing of CO2 from large and stationary CO2 emitting sources like fossil fuel-based power plants and other industries.
• It involves transport of captured CO2 (by pipeline or through shipping, rail or trucks) to sites for utilization in different applications, injections into geological formations or depleted oil/gas fields for permanent storage and trapping of CO2.

GREEN TUG TRANSITION PROGRAMME (GTTP)

• Union Minister of Port Shipping and Waterways launched the SOP for Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP) to drive the transition from conventional fuel-based harbour tugs to greener alternatives.

About GTTP

• Announced in 2023, is a key initiative under the ‘Panch Karma Sankalp’ (5 major announcements) including-
  • 30% financial support for the promotion of Green Shipping,
  • Single Window Portal to facilitate and monitor river and sea cruises, etc.
• Aim: To phase out conventional fuel-based harbour tugs operating in Indian Major Ports and replace them with green tugs.
• A tug is a particular class of boat which helps mega-ships enter or leave a port.

Emissions from Shipping sector

• Global: Accounts for nearly 3% of world's CO2 emissions.
• India: GHG emissions from maritime (excluding military operations) contribute 1% of overall transport sector GHG emissions.

Other Initiatives

• Global
  • Revised Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Strategy by International Maritime Organization: sectoral target of net-zero emissions by 2050.
  • Green Voyage 2050: Support developing countries to reduce emission from ships, aligning with 2023 IMO GHG strategy.
• Indian
  • Sagarmala Programme: Port-led development, emphasis on green ports.
  • Maritime India Vision 2030: Green Ports and Green Shipping in India

TERMS IN THE NEWS

CARBON FARMING

• European Parliament and the European Council recently reached a provisional agreement on a regulation to establish the first EU-level Carbon Removal Certification Framework.

About Carbon Farming

• It uses regenerative practices to improve agriculture, restore ecosystems, and combat climate change by storing carbon and reducing emissions (Regenerative farming).
• Common Methods: Agroforestry, conservation farming (minimising soil disturbance), integrated nutrient management, Renewable Energy Production Grasslands Conservation, etc.

Key Initiatives Facilitating Carbon Farming

• Global
  • 4 per 1000 Initiative: Encourages stakeholders to engage in a transition towards a regenerative, productive and highly resilient agriculture.
    • It was launched during the UNFCCC COP21 (2015) in Paris.
  • World Bank-supported initiatives: E.g. Kenya’s Agricultural Carbon Project.
• India
  • Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS): Launched by the Ministry of Power for trading of carbon credits among obligated entities.
  • National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture: Promote agroforestry, micro irrigation, crop diversification, etc. by the government of India, to encourage farmers to be part of the carbon trading in agriculture.

CARBON BORDER ADJUSTMENT MECHANISMS

• Kazan Declaration adopted by BRICS rejected CBAM, calling it discriminatory.

About Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)

• It is European Union’s (EU) policy to impose a carbon tax on imports of certain products from countries with less stringent climate policies. E.g. Steel.
• Carbon Border Tax aims to prevent companies shifting production to less-regulated countries.
• CBAM, implemented in 2023, moves from transitional phase to full enforcement by 2026.

Other Initiatives by EU

• European Parliament had also approved the Net-Zero Industry Act, that sets a target for Europe to produce 40% of its annual deployment needs in net-zero technologies by 2030, based on National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs).
• Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA) is an initiative of the European Union to build a new alliance on climate change between the European Union and the poor developing countries.
  • In 2015, GCCA entered a new phase by becoming the flagship initiative Global Climate Change Alliance Plus (GCCA+).
  • 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development characterise this new phase.

KEELING CURVE

• Global average concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) was 4.7 parts per million (ppm) in March 2024 (higher than March 2023), signifying large spike in Keeling Curve.

About Keeling Curve

• It is the record of atmospheric CO2 from Mauna Loa Observatory (MLO), since 1958.
  • MLO is a