India’s Arguments at ICJ Highlight Insufficient Climate Finance from Developed Nations
India presented its position at the ICJ, advocating for increased climate finance from developed nations. The country reiterated that the current pledges are insufficient compared to the urgent needs of vulnerable states. Recent COP29 negotiations have yielded a $300 billion commitment, which, while a marked increase, still falls short of the $1 trillion needed annually, highlighting disparities in climate responsibilities.
On December 5, India presented its arguments at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), emphasizing the necessity for equitable global action regarding climate change. The appeal from developing nations and small island developing states for at least $1 trillion annually from developed countries for environmental conservation has been recurrent. Recent COP29 negotiations in Baku, Azerbaijan, while increasing pledged climate finances to $300 billion, have still left many vulnerable nations dissatisfied. This amount, although a tripling of the prior commitment of $100 billion made during COP15 in Copenhagen in 2009, falls short of the $1 trillion that India initially advocated for at the Paris Agreement’s inception in 2015.
Luther Rangreji, Joint Secretary and Legal Adviser from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, remarked that this financial package remains “too little, too distant” and does not align with Article 9 of the Paris Agreement, indicating that accountability for addressing climate challenges cannot rest solely on developing nations. Rangreji cited the unfulfilled pledge of $100 billion made in Copenhagen and asserted that the historical responsibilities of developed countries as major emitters of greenhouses gases must be recognized.
Furthermore, Rangreji articulated that developed nations, having significantly contributed to climate change, possess the requisite technological and financial capacity to tackle these issues effectively. He deemed expectations for equitable contributions from developing nations as unjust, stressing that historical advantages accrued through the utilization of fossil fuels should not impede the development efforts of poorer nations.
Among the prominent voices was Ralph Regenvanu, Minister of Climate Change for Vanuatu, who highlighted the existential threats his nation faces due to climate change. Regenvanu underlined the urgent need for developed nations to bear responsibility for their greenhouse gas emissions and called upon the court to assert the legality of climate damages inflicted on vulnerable nations.
Other representatives, such as Arnold Loughman, Attorney General of Vanuatu, raised queries regarding the legal ramifications for states whose actions have exacerbated climate change, stressing the necessity for international accountability. Additionally, nations like Antigua and Barbuda and the Bahamas voiced their own struggles regarding the impacts of climate variation, including rising sea levels and devastating natural disasters, urging adherence to international obligations for support and mitigation efforts.
The hearing, which commenced on December 2 and will continue until December 13 in The Hague, has garnered participation from 97 states and multiple international organizations, marking a significant moment in addressing climate justice through legal channels. Although the advisory opinions of the ICJ are not binding, they hold substantial authoritative value, representing a critical discourse on international climate responsibilities.
The article addresses a significant hearing at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding climate finance obligations of developed nations to developing countries and small island developing states. The core issue revolves around the inadequate financial support pledged to combat climate change, particularly the substantial funding demands from developing countries, which have long sought assistance to support their conservation efforts. This ongoing discussion ties back to international commitments made during various climate negotiation summits, particularly the Paris Agreement and COP conferences.
In conclusion, India’s recent arguments at the ICJ highlight the ongoing struggle for adequate climate finance as essential for facilitating global environmental protection and equity among nations. The hearing underscores the historical responsibility of developed states as significant contributors to climate change and their obligation to support vulnerable nations. Despite increased pledges, the gap between required and delivered climate financing remains a pressing concern requiring urgent international attention and decisive action to address the severe impacts of climate change globally.
Original Source: www.outlookbusiness.com
