The 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) took place from October 31 to November 12, 2021. It resulted in several significant outcomes aimed at addressing climate change:

1. Glasgow Climate Pact: The most significant outcome was the adoption of the Glasgow Climate Pact. The pact aims to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and enhance resilience to climate impacts. It emphasizes the need for urgent and enhanced actions by all countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

2. Net-zero commitments: Several countries, including major emitters like China and Russia, made commitments to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or shortly thereafter. This signals a global movement towards decarbonization.

3. Phasing out coal: More than 40 countries, including major coal users like India, announced commitments to phase out unabated coal power generation, either domestically or internationally. This is a crucial step in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.

4. Climate finance: Developed countries reaffirmed their commitment to mobilize $100 billion per year in climate finance for developing countries by 2023. Additionally, pledges to increase adaptation finance were made, addressing the urgent needs of the most vulnerable countries.

As for India's commitments at COP 26, the country made significant announcements, including:

1. Renewable energy targets: India announced an ambitious target of achieving 500 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity by 2030. This includes 450 GW of installed capacity for renewables and 50 GW for non-fossil fuel power sources.

2. Carbon neutrality: India announced its intention to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2070. Although this target falls short of the 2050 deadline preferred by many other countries, it represents a significant commitment from one of the world's largest emitters.

3. Coal phase-out: India committed to phasing out coal power plants that don't have carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. While the exact timeline wasn't specified, this commitment aligns with the global push to transition away from coal for power generation.

These commitments highlight India's resolve to address climate change by significantly increasing renewable energy capacity, reducing emissions from fossil fuels, and embracing decarbonization to achieve long-term climate goals.

COP26 Outcomes and India's Commitments:

The 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) took place in Glasgow, Scotland, from October 31 to November 13, 2021. It was a significant event with a range of outcomes and commitments. Here's a breakdown:

Major Outcomes:

• Paris Agreement Rulebook Finalized: The COP26 finalized the "Paris Rulebook," a set of guidelines for implementing the Paris Agreement, addressing crucial aspects like transparency, carbon markets, and reporting.
• Increased Ambition for Mitigation: Countries agreed to revisit and strengthen their national climate plans by 2022, aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by mid-century. This included a renewed focus on phasing out unabated coal power and reducing methane emissions.
• Adaptation and Finance: The COP26 addressed the critical need for increased adaptation measures to address climate impacts, including funding for vulnerable nations. However, there was no consensus on doubling adaptation finance by 2025.
• Loss and Damage: Discussions on compensating countries for climate-related "loss and damage" made some progress, with a "Glasgow Dialogue" established to continue these discussions. However, no concrete financial commitments were made.
• Commitments for Deforestation: Over 100 countries pledged to end and reverse deforestation by 2030, covering over 90% of the world's forests.
• Phase-Down of Coal: A last-minute agreement to "phase down" unabated coal power was a major breakthrough, although the language was weakened from the initial proposal to "phase out."
• Fossil Fuel Subsidies: While not explicitly mentioned in the final agreement, COP26 saw increased pressure to phase out fossil fuel subsidies.

India's Commitments:

India made several key commitments at COP26, including:

• Net Zero Target: India pledged to reach net-zero emissions by 2070.
• Renewable Energy: India aimed to achieve 50% of its electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.
• Reduced Emissions Intensity: India committed to reducing its emissions intensity by 45% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels.
• Enhanced Climate Finance: India committed to mobilizing USD 1 trillion in investments in renewable energy by 2030.
• Forest Cover: India reaffirmed its goal of increasing its forest cover to 33% by 2030.

Overall Assessment:

COP26 was a significant event in the fight against climate change, but it fell short of achieving the full ambition needed to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. While progress was made on some fronts, the commitments and actions made so far are not enough to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

It is important to note that the implementation of commitments and the effectiveness of COP26's outcomes will depend on the actions taken by individual countries and other stakeholders in the coming years.

The 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was held in Glasgow, Scotland, from October 31 to November 13, 2021. The conference aimed to accelerate global climate action and achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Major outcomes of COP26:

1. Glasgow Climate Pact: The conference adopted the Glasgow Climate Pact, which calls for countries to rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve net-zero emissions by mid-century. The pact also urges countries to phase down coal power and phase out fossil fuel subsidies.
2. 1.5°C target: Countries reaffirmed their commitment to limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and agreed to take steps to achieve this goal.
3. Increased climate finance: Developed countries agreed to mobilize $100 billion per year in climate finance for developing countries by 2025, with a focus on adaptation and resilience.
4. Adaptation and resilience: The conference emphasized the importance of adaptation and resilience, with a focus on supporting vulnerable countries and communities.
5. Article 6: Countries agreed on rules for carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which will help to promote international cooperation on climate action.

Commitments made by India at COP26:

1. Net-zero emissions by 2070: India announced its commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, a significant goal that will require significant transformations in the country's energy and economic systems.
2. Non-fossil energy capacity: India pledged to increase its non-fossil energy capacity to 500 gigawatts by 2030, a significant increase from its current capacity.
3. Renewable energy targets: India set a target of 50% of its energy mix coming from renewable sources by 2030, up from 36% currently.
4. Electric vehicles: India committed to achieving 30% electric vehicle penetration in the passenger vehicle segment by 2030.
5. Green hydrogen: India announced plans to promote the use of green hydrogen in the energy and transportation sectors.
6. Carbon capture and storage: India expressed its interest in developing carbon capture and storage technologies to reduce emissions from industrial sources.
7. Climate-resilient infrastructure: India committed to investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, including green buildings, green railways, and green highways.

Overall, India's commitments at COP26 reflect its efforts to transition to a low-carbon economy and mitigate the impacts of climate change.