India Emphasizes Reassessment of Climate Finance at COP 29

COP 29, held under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), is taking place this year in Baku, Azerbaijan, with participation from over 190 countries, including India. At the conference, India has outlined its key priorities, focusing on the needs of developing countries. India views COP 29 as an important opportunity to advance goals related to sustainable development, balanced climate action, and sustainability construction.

**Developed Nations Called to Lead Pollution Reduction Efforts**

India continues to advocate for the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR), which emphasizes that developed countries, having historically contributed more to pollution, should take the lead in efforts to reduce emissions and provide climate finance. India’s primary focus at COP 29 is the reassessment of climate finance under the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG). Under the NCQG, wealthier nations should financially support climate change projects in poorer countries. India has long supported the notion that climate finance should be directed towards adaptation, making it more accessible for developing nations. India hopes that COP 29 will bring balance in this regard.

**Adani Group’s Major Pollution Control Program**

The Adani Group has launched the country’s largest program to reduce pollution. According to reports, to achieve its net-zero pollution target, Adani has begun blending green hydrogen with natural gas supplied to homes in parts of Ahmedabad. In collaboration with France's energy giant TotalEnergies, Adani's city gas distribution unit, Adani Total Gas Limited, has started mixing 2.2-2.3% green hydrogen into the natural gas supply to homes in the Shantigram area of Ahmedabad. The project will provide hydrogen-blended natural gas to 4,000 residential and commercial consumers. Currently, the state-owned power producer NTPC is supplying green hydrogen-blended natural gas to the Kawas area in Surat, Gujarat. Similarly, GAIL (India) Limited is working on a small pilot project in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, to supply CNG mixed with grey hydrogen. Mixing hydrogen with natural gas helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhances energy security.

**India’s Focus on Energy Transition**

India is also focusing on energy transition, with expectations that COP 29 will make this shift fair and suitable for developing nations. India seeks to ensure that the energy transition does not impose undue burdens and that adequate support is provided to developing countries. India stresses that discussions on carbon markets should focus on reducing trade difficulties and that the carbon credit system should be designed in a way that doesn’t excessively incentivize carbon-intensive development. India’s Minister of State for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh, will lead a 19-member delegation at the conference. India's main address is scheduled for November 18-19.