Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav inaugurated the India Pavilion at the 27th Session of the Conference of Parties of the UNFCCC (COP 27) in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, November 6.
At COP27, India is looking at substantial progress in discussions related to climate finance. “We also look forward to the introduction of new technologies, and new collaborations to facilitate technology transfers,” the Union Minister said. In its official release, the government said that India welcomes the Egyptian Presidency of COP27, which has named it as the COP of ‘Implementation’, as over the last twelve months the world has seen a widening gap between statements made by developed countries at COP 26 in Glasgow and the reality of their actions.
“India will support the Egyptian Presidency, for a plan of action that answers the needs of developing countries. Adaptation and loss and damage are two issues at the centre of attention, and progress on these two issues will complement each other. The existing financial mechanisms, like GEF, GCF and Adaptation Fund, under the Convention have not been able to mobilise or deliver funds for loss and damage due to climate change. These mechanisms are underfunded; accessing funding is cumbersome and time consuming, and most of the funding is for mitigation. Adaptation funding is highly inadequate and loss and damage funding is perhaps none at all,” the release stated.
Themed Mission LiFE, the India pavilion is based on the Mission life concept championed by PM Narendra Modi, a global plan of action aimed at saving the planet from the disastrous consequences of climate change. According to Yadav, India believes that climate action starts from the grassroots, individual level and hence the theme of LiFE- Lifestyle for Environment. “I am confident that, throughout COP, India Pavilion will continue to remind the delegates that simple lifestyle and individual practices that are sustainable in nature can help protect Mother Earth,” said the Union Minister.
COP 27, which will see attendance from more than 120 Heads of State, is scheduled from 6-18 November 2022 with the World Leaders Summit to be held on 7th and 8th November.
