Latest news with #UNFCCC
Scoop
a day ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Vanuatu Statement Ahead Of Landmark International Court Of Justice Advisory Opinion On Climate Change
Statement by Hon. Jotham Napat, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Port Vila, Vanuatu (14 July 2025) 'We eagerly await the landmark opinion of the world's highest court on the greatest existential challenge facing our planet: the climate crisis. The Advisory Opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which will be issued on July 23 at 3:00 pm CEST, is not just a legal milestone, it is a defining moment in the global climate justice movement and a beacon of hope for present and future generations. 'Vanuatu and our fellow Small Island Developing States have long sounded the alarm as the seas rise around us, the storms grow stronger, and the cost of inaction deepens by the day. We have done so not out of fear, but from a place of courage, principle, and conviction that justice must prevail, and that the law must serve those most at risk. 'This case was born from a spark of hope from Pacific youth who dared to bring the world's biggest problem before the world's highest court, and their call was echoed by over 80 nations who stood together to demand climate justice. 'For the first time ever, the past decade includes the ten hottest years on record—and last year was the hottest ever. The United Nations tracked 152 unprecedented extreme weather events around the world in 2024, and this number will continue to grow as climate change continues to intensify. Advertisement - scroll to continue reading 'We turned to the Court to clarify what international law already requires of States, because putting all our faith in mechanisms like the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement are not generating the actions the world urgently needs fast enough. We sought confirmation that States' legal obligations extend to their climate-related actions, especially when those actions have caused harm beyond borders. 'A favorable opinion from the Court could affirm that States have had long-standing legal obligations to act on climate change, including obligations rooted in human rights and environmental law. It could clarify the legal consequences for States that have failed to meet these obligations. It could provide a powerful tool for courts, communities, and negotiators around the world to seek remedies for the climate injustices that have occurred. It could support vulnerable nations in securing climate finance, technology, and loss and damage support. And it could help shift the global response from promises to accountability. 'I am hopeful for a powerful opinion from the ICJ. It could set the world on a meaningful path to accountability and action. 'But no matter the ICJ's ruling, this will be a turning point in the fight for climate justice. This process has elevated the voices of climate-vulnerable nations, driven global awareness, and set the stage for stronger climate action. This ruling will give us a foundation to build upon, and this moment will inspire continued efforts for stronger action and accountability, inspiring bold efforts to protect our planet.' Vanuatu and allies have led the initiative to obtain this Advisory Opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Vanuatu government officials will be in the Hague for the readout of the Court's ruling on July 23.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Bihar greenlights plan for clean energy push
NEW DELHI: Bihar government on Friday announced a policy to facilitate renewable energy adoption in the state with benefits of streamlined single-window clearance system and 100% reimbursement of state goods and services tax (SGST), land conversion fees, and stamp duty on lease or transfer of land. The policy also grants a 100% waiver on electricity duty for 15 years and provides long-term open access for 25 years along with full exemption from transmission and wheeling charges. "With the free ISTS (inter-state transmission system) regime drawing to a close, it is time for the industry to act. We are offering one of the most attractive policy regimes in the country-those who invest in Bihar now will fetch maximum returns and lead India's clean energy revolution from the front," Manoj Kumar Singh , energy secretary of Bihar, said. The policy aims to promote active stakeholder engagement in the manufacturing and deployment of renewable energy projects, while encouraging the integration of advanced and efficient technologies in both generation and storage. To support these ambitions, the policy introduces a highly competitive suite of incentives designed to attract investors and developers from across the country. As per the policy, state utilities will bear the cost of transmission and distribution infrastructure up to 10 km, with shared responsibility beyond that point. Renewable energy projects will have "must run" status and separate feed-in tariffs tailored to different technologies, along with guarantees like minimum generation compensation, energy banking, and a robust payment security mechanism, a government statement said. Developers will also benefit from priority access to government land on long-term leases, deemed industry status and eligibility to claim carbon credits under UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) or other national schemes. A minimum of 5% of the renewable energy budget will be allocated exclusively to research and development initiatives. According to the Central Electricity Authority's Resource Adequacy Plan, Bihar must procure about 23 GW of renewable energy by FY30.
Economic Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Bihar greenlights plan for clean energy push
NEW DELHI: Bihar government on Friday announced a policy to facilitate renewable energy adoption in the state with benefits of streamlined single-window clearance system and 100% reimbursement of state goods and services tax (SGST), land conversion fees, and stamp duty on lease or transfer of land. The policy also grants a 100% waiver on electricity duty for 15 years and provides long-term open access for 25 years along with full exemption from transmission and wheeling charges. "With the free ISTS (inter-state transmission system) regime drawing to a close, it is time for the industry to act. We are offering one of the most attractive policy regimes in the country-those who invest in Bihar now will fetch maximum returns and lead India's clean energy revolution from the front," Manoj Kumar Singh, energy secretary of Bihar, said. The policy aims to promote active stakeholder engagement in the manufacturing and deployment of renewable energy projects, while encouraging the integration of advanced and efficient technologies in both generation and storage. To support these ambitions, the policy introduces a highly competitive suite of incentives designed to attract investors and developers from across the country. As per the policy, state utilities will bear the cost of transmission and distribution infrastructure up to 10 km, with shared responsibility beyond that energy projects will have "must run" status and separate feed-in tariffs tailored to different technologies, along with guarantees like minimum generation compensation, energy banking, and a robust payment security mechanism, a government statement said. Developers will also benefit from priority access to government land on long-term leases, deemed industry status and eligibility to claim carbon credits under UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) or other national schemes. A minimum of 5% of the renewable energy budget will be allocated exclusively to research and development to the Central Electricity Authority's Resource Adequacy Plan, Bihar must procure about 23 GW of renewable energy by FY30.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Bihar greenlights plan for clean energy push
NEW DELHI: Bihar government on Friday announced a policy to facilitate renewable energy adoption in the state with benefits of streamlined single-window clearance system and 100% reimbursement of state goods and services tax (SGST), land conversion fees, and stamp duty on lease or transfer of land. The policy also grants a 100% waiver on electricity duty for 15 years and provides long-term open access for 25 years along with full exemption from transmission and wheeling charges. "With the free ISTS (inter-state transmission system) regime drawing to a close, it is time for the industry to act. We are offering one of the most attractive policy regimes in the country-those who invest in Bihar now will fetch maximum returns and lead India's clean energy revolution from the front," Manoj Kumar Singh , energy secretary of Bihar, said. The policy aims to promote active stakeholder engagement in the manufacturing and deployment of renewable energy projects, while encouraging the integration of advanced and efficient technologies in both generation and storage. To support these ambitions, the policy introduces a highly competitive suite of incentives designed to attract investors and developers from across the country. As per the policy, state utilities will bear the cost of transmission and distribution infrastructure up to 10 km, with shared responsibility beyond that point. Renewable energy projects will have "must run" status and separate feed-in tariffs tailored to different technologies, along with guarantees like minimum generation compensation, energy banking, and a robust payment security mechanism, a government statement said. Developers will also benefit from priority access to government land on long-term leases, deemed industry status and eligibility to claim carbon credits under UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) or other national schemes. A minimum of 5% of the renewable energy budget will be allocated exclusively to research and development initiatives. According to the Central Electricity Authority's Resource Adequacy Plan, Bihar must procure about 23 GW of renewable energy by FY30.
Indian Express
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Reforming UNFCCC process
The international climate negotiations, held under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), have been facing a credibility crisis in recent years. Their outcomes have been largely underwhelming as they have not delivered the kind of action required to curb global warming. Developed countries that fail to meet their targets, or deliver on their commitments, have not been held to account. Developing countries, particularly the small and most vulnerable of them, have repeatedly complained that their concerns are often ignored, and that the negotiations have failed to deliver climate justice. Also, the withdrawal of the United States from these negotiations, following the return of Donald Trump to the White House this year, has threatened to make the entire process irrelevant. As a result, there has been an effort to re-infuse trust and confidence in the system in the lead-up to the COP30 meeting in Brazil which will take place in November. As the host of the COP30, Brazil has been actively engaged with other countries to explore the possible steps that can be taken in this direction. The annual mid-year climate meeting in Bonn, Germany, which wrapped up last month, discussed the ideas and suggestions submitted by countries, climate groups, and non-government organisations, to reform the system and make it more effective. Suggestions for reforming climate negotiations The Bonn meeting, held in the second half of June, acknowledged that the 'growing scale and complexity' of the climate negotiations presented challenges. It also emphasised the need to 'improve the efficiency of the UNFCCC process in a transparent and inclusive manner'. However, the proposals that were included in the discussions were not radical. Amongst the things proposed was streamlining agenda items to eliminate overlapping or redundant issues, and asking countries and observer groups to restrict the length of their statements to allow for more time for negotiations. Notably, it was also proposed that countries limit the size of their negotiating teams. The discussions remained inconclusive, and would continue in the COP30 meeting. Civil society organisations and climate advocacy groups, which have been at the forefront of the demands to reform the UNFCCC process, have been asking for more fundamental changes. At Bonn, a letter signed by more than 200 such groups, suggested five major reforms. One of them was a demand to allow majority-based decision-making when attempts to find a consensus remain elusive. The UNFCCC works through consensus, which means no decision is accepted till every country accepts it. In a way, every country has a veto. Getting all of the more than 190 parties to agree to every part of a decision has always been a big challenge. This is often blamed for the lack of ambition in the outcomes of climate negotiations. The civil society groups suggested that countries that do not have a good track record of climate action be not allowed to hold the COP meetings. In the last few years, the choice of Dubai and Baku for holding COP meetings has come under criticism as their economies are sustained largely by the fossil fuel industry. These groups also called for reducing the participation and involvement of representatives of fossil fuel companies and other polluting industries in COP meetings. There have been allegations that these companies influence the outcomes of COP meetings in their favour. Any decision to reform the UNFCCC process will have to be approved through consensus by all the parties, and it is unlikely that any of the more radical suggestions would go through. Brazil's bid to rebuild trust in the system As the host of the COP30, Brazil has to take leadership in ensuring its success. The outcome of this meeting will be measured largely by the faith and confidence that countries, mainly developing and vulnerable ones, are able to put back into the process. In a recent letter to all the parties, Brazil acknowledged the need for reforms, and asked them to 'consider' the future of the UNFCCC process. Brazil said long-standing issues such as excessively long agenda items, overlapping themes, scheduling constraints, and barriers that prevent meaningful participation of smaller delegations, needed to be addressed. The country has also talked about mainstreaming climate conversations in other multilateral forums, including different UN agencies and financial institutions. It has floated the idea of creating additional multilateral mechanisms that can complement the UNFCCC process, and push the implementation of the decisions taken at climate meetings. Brazil has also drawn up a list of 30 items on which it would work with other countries to accelerate climate actions. Developing nations' demand to increase climate finance For developing countries, the single biggest issue currently is the lack of adequate money to finance their climate actions, and the failure of developed countries to deliver on their obligations to provide climate finance. To comply with the provisions of the 2015 Paris Agreement, the Baku meeting had to decide on a new finance mobilisation target for developed countries, which, as of now, are under obligation to, collectively, raise at least $100 billion a year to help developing countries. While the needs of developing countries were assessed to be at least $1.3 trillion a year, developed countries agreed to mobilise a sum of just $300 billion a year, and that too from 2035 onwards. Developing countries have continued to put pressure on the developed world to take additional steps to increase the availability of finance. They stalled the discussions in the Bonn meeting last month, and managed to force a special meeting on the issue. However, it remained inconclusive. The matter is likely to dominate the discussions at the COP30. BRICS, a group of nine large and influential developing economies, also weighed in on the subject at its recently concluded meeting in Brazil. In a separate declaration on climate finance, the BRICS countries asked developed countries to fully deliver on their finance commitments under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, while increasing their contribution to adaptation finance.
