India Seeks Equitable Climate Transition, Slams Rich Nations' Trade Barriers

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In a bid to address the urgent need for climate action, India has called for an equity-driven Just Transition Mechanism at the ongoing COP30 summit in Belem. The mechanism, based on the principles of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC), aims to ensure a fair and inclusive transition to renewable energy. India's Environment Minister, Bhupender Yadav, emphasized that unilateral trade restrictions imposed by rich nations undermine the principles of equity and justice, hindering the transition process. He urged countries to respect national circumstances, ensure equity, and secure social justice in their transition efforts. The minister stressed that a just transition is not limited to the energy sector, but is a comprehensive transformation that requires all countries to contribute their fair share to global mitigation efforts without compromising their developmental imperatives. Yadav also emphasized the need to retain policy space for developing countries to bridge development gaps and address systemic vulnerabilities. India, along with other developing countries, strongly supports the creation of a Just Transition Mechanism, which is seen as crucial for bridging existing gaps and advancing practical solutions. The mechanism is expected to address the critical gap in delivering the Convention and Paris Agreement, ensuring that no one is left behind in the transition process.