Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proposed to host the 33rd session of the Conference of the Parties (COP33) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in India in 2028. He made this offer during his address at the COP28 summit in UAE on Monday, where he also announced a set of ambitious climate commitments for India.
Modi said that India will achieve net zero emissions by 2070, a decade later than the target set by most developed countries. He also pledged to reduce India’s carbon intensity by 45% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels, and to increase the share of non-fossil fuels in India’s electricity mix to 50% by 2030. Additionally, he promised to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030, and to create a carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 2030.
Modi said that these goals are not only ambitious, but also realistic, achievable, and in line with India’s development priorities. He added that India will need global cooperation and support to achieve them, especially in terms of finance, technology, and capacity building. He urged the developed countries to fulfill their commitments under the Paris Agreement, and to provide $1 trillion in climate finance to developing countries by 2020.
Modi also highlighted India’s achievements in renewable energy, especially solar power, and invited other countries to join the International Solar Alliance, an initiative launched by India and France in 2015 to promote solar energy. He also announced the launch of a new global initiative called ‘One Sun, One World, One Grid’, which aims to connect solar energy supply across regions and continents.
Modi said that India is ready to take a leading role in the global fight against climate change, and to work with other countries to create a green, clean, and prosperous future for all. He said that India’s offer to host COP33 in 2028 is a reflection of its commitment and confidence in achieving its climate goals. He expressed hope that the COP26 summit will result in a balanced and inclusive outcome that respects the principles of equity, common but differentiated responsibilities, and respective capabilities.