India's National Adaptation Plan to Reshape Developing Nations' Climate Action
India is set to unveil its National Adaptation Plan, potentially reshaping how developing nations tackle climate change and development. Meanwhile, the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, established at COP27, has yet to disburse funds, drawing criticism for its slow operational policies.
India's forthcoming National Adaptation Plan (NAP) is poised to redefine how developing countries link adaptation and development. This comes as the country's Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) charts a pathway to net-zero emissions by 2070, balancing growth and decarbonisation.
Critics have voiced concerns about the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD), established at COP27. Despite its creation, no funds have been transferred to affected nations. The operational policies decided at the 7th Board Meeting in Manila have been slammed for entrenching a slow, bureaucratic system.
India's long-term climate strategy marks a significant shift toward 'development-led decarbonisation'. It integrates mitigation, adaptation, and equity into national policy. This strategy has been met with praise, as India has consistently met or is on course to meet its Paris Agreement targets, including emission intensity reduction and renewable energy capacity expansion.
The adaptation finance gap remains substantial. Actual needs are estimated at over USD 350 billion annually, while current funding stands at around USD 28 billion. The Paris Agreement has reshaped national climate governance in 21 countries, including India, by embedding long-term climate strategies into policymaking, improving scientific decision-making, and establishing climate coordination institutions.
India's National Adaptation Plan and Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy demonstrate the country's commitment to ambitious climate action. However, the slow progress of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage highlights the need for more efficient systems to support vulnerable nations. As the adaptation finance gap remains wide, international cooperation and increased funding are crucial to meet the global climate challenge.
