Latest news with #NationallyDeterminedContributions
The Star
a day ago
- Politics
- The Star
Brazil to push for corporate, local government climate targets at COP30
FILE PHOTO: COP30 President Ambassador Andre Correa do Lago listens to Simon Stiell, Secretary of UN Climate Change (UNFCCC), during an event in Brasilia, Brazil February 6, 2025. REUTERS/Andressa Anholete/File Photo BRASILIA (Reuters) -COP30 president Brazil on Friday proposed expanding emissions reduction commitments to include pledges from companies, states, and cities, aiming to bolster global climate efforts following the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Brazilian diplomats preparing for the climate summit have been working closely with the U.N. to encourage countries to submit updated targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by September, after many missed the February deadline. The Paris accord, in which almost all nations agreed to limit warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius from pre-industrial levels, requires countries to submit such targets, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and update them every few years. In a letter released Friday, COP30 President Ambassador Andre Correa do Lago proposed widening the path for reducing emissions by creating a"global NDC" that would incorporate targets from various actors, not just countries, to transform the Global Stocktake - the process for reviewing Paris Agreement progress. "Our aim is to bring a new dynamic to global climate action, aligning the efforts made by businesses, civil society and all levels of government in coordinated action," Lago wrote, proposing the term "GDC," or "globally determined contribution," for the expanded initiative. While Lago did not explicitly frame the initiative as a response to U.S. policy changes, he acknowledged it would allow participation from U.S. companies and local governments that have kept their commitment to help curb climate change despite the Trump administration's formal exit from the Paris Agreement. "Our action agenda is opening up a lot of space for the U.S. side that wants to participate," Lago said, adding the proposal would also encourage countries with conservative emissions targets to be more ambitious. The Brazilian diplomat said private sector actors often move faster on climate action than governments, which are vulnerable to complex considerations such as the role of oil companies in spurring economic growth or the costs of transforming electricity grids. Dan Ioschpe, a Brazilian businessman appointed as COP30's "climate champion," said the initiative would provide clarity for non-state actors to align with Paris Agreement goals. "Not only in the United States, but in general in countries where the national government is not so involved in the issue, we are seeing governors, mayors, and the private sector extremely involved," Ioschpe said. COP30, to be hosted in the Amazonian city of Belem in November, marks the 10th anniversary of the Paris accord. (Reporting and writing by Lisandra Paraguassu, editing by Manuela Andreonim, Editing by William Maclean)
Gulf Today
4 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
India's solar potential could far exceed previous assessments
A recent study estimates that India's total solar potential could reach 10,830 gigawatts (GW), far exceeding previous assessments and identifies new opportunities across both conventional and innovative applications of solar energy. A reassessment by the Delhi-based The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) has unveiled that this potential is nearly 15 times the country's earlier estimated potential of 748 GW. The report titled, 'Reassessment of Solar Potential in India: A Macro-level Study', aims to offer a renewed perspective on the country's solar energy potential. The study identifies untapped solar avenues critical to achieving India's 2070 net-zero goal and advancing its Paris Agreement commitments, according to a TERI press release. These are new opportunities across both conventional and innovative applications of solar energy. The TERI reassessment covers a wide range of categories, including ground-mounted solar photovoltaics (PV) on barren and unculturable land with an estimated potential of 4,909 GW, floating solar PV with 100 GW, rural and urban rooftop solar PV with a combined potential of 960 GW, agri-PV for horticulture crops, coffee, and tea plantations with 4177 GW, the press release adds. As stated in a TERI policy brief, India's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) were updated in August 2022, setting the target of reduction of emission intensity by 45% by 2030, over the 2005 level, and achieving about 50% cumulative installed capacity from non-fossil-based energy resources by 2030, and reaching net-zero by 2070. Achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 will require a huge expansion of non-fossil energy sources, with solar energy playing the significant role. TERI's study estimates that the electricity demand will exceed 5000 TWh by 2050. It is well recognised now that solar power will form a major share of the clean energy mix in the country. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India in 2014, estimated India's solar potential at 748 GW, based on considering three per cent of wastelands for calculating solar potential. However, considering the growing demand, the advent of new solar applications, and the limitation posed by the assessed potential, there is a need to revisit the assumption forming the basis of the potential estimation, the TERI policy brief adds. The brief highlights that achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 will require a huge expansion of non-fossil energy sources, with solar energy playing the major role. TERI's study estimates that the electricity demand will exceed 5,000 TWh by 20501. Furthermore, as another TERI discussion paper, 'India's Journey to Net Zero: A Conceptual Framework for Analysis', projects that India's electricity consumption could grow five to six times, eventually peaking at levels comparable to the present levels of consumption in the European Union (EU) – equivalent to a per capita consumption of 6687 kWh or a total consumption of approximately 9362 TWh. This highlights the critical role of solar energy in decarbonizing India's power sector. Beyond this point, electricity consumption is expected to plateau. The reassessment study by TERI revisits the solar potential of conventional areas like barren and unculturable lands and explores additional avenues to increase the country's solar potential estimates. Based on literature review and macro analysis through various assumptions made by the authors, the study re-evaluates the country's solar potential. The categories considered and their estimated solar potential, based on the norm of three acres per MW for ground mounted solar PV on barren and unculturable and floating solar PV. The study finds that ground-mounted solar PV on barren and unculturable lands alone accounts for 4909 GW, with Rajasthan contributing the highest at 1234.6 GW, followed by Madhya Pradesh at 731.3 GW, Maharashtra at 606.7 GW, and Gujarat at 592.6 GW. Floating solar PV systems, using water surfaces of inland reservoirs, tanks, tanks, ponds, and aquaculture zones, are estimated to offer 100 GW of capacity. The TERI report comes at a critical juncture as India accelerates its transition to clean energy in line with its updated NDCs under the Paris Agreement, and its target of net-zero emissions by 2070, the press release says. It adds that by highlighting underutilized and non-traditional solar applications, this report serves as a crucial tool for policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society to support a just and scalable energy transition.
GMA Network
5 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
UNICEF calls for climate-resilient schools in PH
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. and Education Secretary Sonny Angara are ushered inside a classroom by a teacher at Epifanio Delos Santos Elementary School in Malate, Manila on Monday, June 16, 2025. DARLENE CAY/GMA Integrated News UNICEF Philippines is calling on the government to prioritize the development of climate-resilient schools in the country as students return to school during the rainy season. UNICEF made the appeal ahead of the country's submission of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) — the Philippines' updated climate action plan under the Paris Agreement — to be presented at the upcoming COP30 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Belém, Brazil. The organization urges the government to ensure the new NDCs are 'child-sensitive,' with concrete commitments to protect children's right to continuous, quality education amid worsening climate threats. 'The climate crisis is not just changing the planet, it is changing children,' said Behzad Noubary, UNICEF Philippines Representative Ad Interim. "Climate-related class disruptions deprive them of opportunities to develop the necessary foundational and socioemotional skills to thrive in the future,' added Noubary. The World Risk Index has ranked the Philippines as the country with the highest disaster risk for three years in a row. Meanwhile, a UNICEF study places the Philippines as the second most climate-vulnerable country for children in East Asia and the Pacific. According to the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), students in disaster-prone areas lose up to a month's worth of school days each year due to weather-related disruptions. The same report found that the Department of Education (DepEd) incurs nearly ?18 billion in annual losses due to damage from natural hazards. Floods, typhoons, and earthquakes routinely damage classrooms, destroy learning materials, and restrict student access, especially in remote areas where transport infrastructure is also compromised. Climate goals UNICEF stressed that schools can play a vital role in both climate adaptation and mitigation. 'Children cannot afford to wait. If we want to secure their future, we must act now. We need to transform climate goals into reality for children,' Noubary emphasized. UNICEF is already working with school communities across the country to develop resilience through training, resources, and localized emergency preparedness protocols. It is also promoting inclusive and participatory climate action in schools, empowering students to advocate for their own rights and for the protection of their learning environments. The organization is also pushing for climate investments that allow schools to better anticipate, absorb, and adapt to disasters — whether through stronger buildings, remote learning solutions, or climate education. 'We have a responsibility to ensure that every child — no matter where they live — can go to school safely, learn without interruption, and prepare for a future shaped by the climate crisis,' Noubary said. As the government finalizes its climate roadmap for the next decade, UNICEF's message is clear: quality education must not be a casualty of the climate emergency. Ensuring that children learn in safe, inclusive, and resilient environments is not just an environmental goal — it is a moral and developmental imperative. UNICEF is the United Nations agency dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of every child, especially those most vulnerable. Working in over 190 countries and territories, UNICEF strives to help children survive, thrive, and reach their full potential, no matter the challenges. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
Hans India
7 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
Winds of hope: Reinventing India's energy resources
Wind is ever present and never the same. It saves lives and is a source of energy. India is the fourth-largest wind energy producer globally. Wind energy is creating wonders. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy announced that India's wind energy capacity reached 50.04 GW as of April 2025. According to the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), world could generate up to 72 terawatts of electricity just from wind. That's more than enough to meet the world's energy needs multiple times over. Major wind-rich states include Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Rajasthan, which collectively account for over 90 per cent of the nation's capacity. According to experts, by the end of this decade, wind is expected to become a major source of global renewable electricity generation. The world observes 'Wind Day' every year on June 15. The first Wind Day was organised by European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) in 2007. Later, in 2009, it became a world event when the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) joined the initiative. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has set an ambitious target of 140 GW of wind energy by 2030, including 30 GW from offshore wind. India's renewable mission is backed by strong policy frameworks, auctions, and global partnerships. Development of wind power in India began in December 1952 under an initiation of a project by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). It established a wind power sub-committee under Nilakantan .The sub-committee extensively researched on surface winds in India and identified several spots for generating wind energy. The large scale wind power development began in 1985. The first rooftop wind turbine to generate green and sustainable energy, was manufactured by a Hyderabad-based MSME under 'Make in India' programme in 2016. As per MNRE data, Telangana has a wind power potential of 24.83 GW at 120 meters and 54.7 GW at 150 meters above ground level, indicating significant opportunity for wind energy development in the state. Wind power generates electricity without burning fossil fuels. There is no air pollution, and it doesn't emit greenhouse gases. Unlike coal or nuclear power, wind turbines do not require water for cooling, conserving this precious resource in a water-stressed country. Wind farms coexist with agriculture, allowing dual land use without harming biodiversity. Economic Development Wind is a domestic resource, reducing India's dependence on imported coal and oil. Diversification of the energy mix enhances grid resilience and supports India's transition to a low-carbon economy. Wind energy plays a crucial role in meeting India's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. It reduces millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, helping to minimize global temperature rise below 2°C. India is now recognized as a key player in the global energy transition. Its commitment to renewable targets has attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) from countries like Germany, Denmark, the US, and the UK. India has partnered with nations through the Global Wind Energy Council to set standards, share innovation, and co-develop offshore projects. Many Indian wind energy majors are emerging as global suppliers of latest technologies and positioning India as a potential wind turbine manufacturing hub for the Global South. With wind energy forming a major part of its green energy portfolio, India is making a case for just, inclusive and equitable climate leadership, especially among developing countries. Wind energy's variability challenges grid stability, highlighting the urgent need for advanced energy storage solutions like battery and pumped hydro systems to ensure reliable, round-the-clock power supply. India is all poised to exploit and capitalize the offshore wind resources in the country, and, generate an everlasting asset for the future. (The author is pursuing in Ecology and Environmental Studies at Nalanda University)
New Indian Express
13-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
India @G7 table: Where power meets climate purpose
Recent government data shows India's non fossil capacity has already crossed 190 GW, constituting 43 pc of total installed capacity — a milestone achieved well ahead of its 2030 target. It also ranks fourth globally in renewable energy capacity, and is one of the few countries on track to meet its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. India's solar potential alone is estimated at 10,830 GW, according to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. With electricity demand projected to exceed 5,000 TWh by 2050, clean energy investment in India will be a cornerstone of global decarbonisation efforts. 'India's climate journey is not just about scaling renewables, but also building climate resilience for millions vulnerable to rising temperatures, floods, and cyclones,' said Aarti Khosla, director of Climate Trends. 'Its role at G7 is crucial for shifting the focus from ambition to climate finance implementation.'
