India’s stance on methane at COP29 could present a roadmap for how developing nations can contribute to global climate goals while advancing their own national development priorities
The 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 29) is poised to convene in November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan. This seminal event will comprise the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 29), the 19th assembly of the COP functioning as the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP 19), and the sixth iteration of the COP as the Meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA 6). These deliberations are set to culminate in the completion of the inaugural enhanced transparency framework and the establishment of a New collective quantified goal pertaining to climate finance, among other pressing matters of global import. India’s unwavering commitment to the Global Methane Pledge—which endeavors to reduce methane emissions by no less than 30% by 2030 compared to 2020 levels—can serve as a formidable catalyst for rigorous discourse. Global Methane Pledge emerges as a pivotal catalyst for international discourse, galvanizing collective action to confront the pressing challenges posed by methane emissions.
Current Methane Emissions Profile.
India’s methane emissions predominantly emanate from three pivotal sectors: agriculture, landfills, and fossil fuel extraction. Within the agricultural sphere, a considerable proportion of emissions is attributable to livestock production, particularly through the metabolic process of enteric fermentation, alongside rice cultivation practices that engender anaerobic conditions conducive to methane generation. These sources constitute a substantial segment of the nation’s overall methane footprint. Effectively addressing this emissions profile is paramount for India’s comprehensive climate strategy, necessitating the implementation of targeted interventions and robust policy frameworks designed to mitigate methane release and promote sustainability imperatives.
Addressing India’s methane emissions profile transcends mere regulatory compliance; it embodies a vital imperative for the advancement of sustainable development. The incorporation of methane mitigation strategies into national climate policies can engender substantial co-benefits, including the enhancement of air quality, the amelioration of public health outcomes, and the potential for economic proliferation through the deployment of green technologies.
Moreover, India’s endeavours to mitigate methane emissions can serve as a paradigm for other developing nations, underscoring the critical importance of equity in climate action. It is imperative that these strategies are not only comprehensive but also inclusive, meticulously accounting for the diverse socio-economic contexts in which they are implemented. Such an approach will be indispensable in cultivating widespread support and engendering active participation in methane reduction initiatives, thereby reinforcing the commitment to sustainable and equitable climate governance.
The China-India partnership on methane diplomacy at COP29 constitutes a singular opportunity to capitalize on their synergistic strengths in the imperative of mitigating methane emissions. By fostering collaboration across advanced technological innovation, rigorous scientific inquiry, and equitable climate action, both nations can occupy a crucial role in orchestrating global efforts to combat climate change, thereby establishing a paradigmatic precedent for cooperative international engagement. This alliance transcends mere responsiveness to urgent environmental challenges; it endeavors to underpin long-term sustainability and resilience for posterity, ensuring that comprehensive and robust strategies are formulated to address both immediate exigencies and enduring ecological imperatives.
As principal actors in the domain of global climate governance, both the United States and India wield formidable influence within international forums, particularly the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Their strategic alliance possesses the capacity to catalyse collective action, compelling other nations to augment their commitments to climate objectives and fostering a synergistic front in the intricate landscape of international climate negotiations. By harmonizing their interests and leveraging their diplomatic heft, the U.S. and India can profoundly shape the global climate agenda, propelling substantial advancements toward the realization of ambitious environmental imperatives.
This collaboration not only enhances their respective efforts to combat climate change but also sets a compelling precedent for international cooperation. As they navigate the complexities of the global climate landscape, the U.S.-India partnership stands poised to catalyze significant progress toward achieving ambitious environmental goals, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future for all.
India’s engagement in the discourse surrounding methane emissions at COP29 will be pivotal in delineating its climate strategy and reaffirming its commitment to international climate accords. By prioritizing actionable solutions, sustainable practices, and the imperative for global collaboration, India can make a substantial contribution to the collective endeavor of mitigating methane emissions and effectively addressing the multifaceted challenges of climate change. This proactive stance not only underscores India’s role as a responsible global actor but also enhances its capacity to influence and shape the trajectory of international climate initiatives. A unique opinion could argue that India’s approach may also be a kind of “green pragmatism”—focusing on methane’s reduction as a low-hanging fruit that could yield high climate benefits in a short time frame, yet also recognizing the importance of strategic and equitable development. In contrast to Western-centric solutions that often impose top-down mandates, India’s approach at COP29 could advocate for a bottom-up model—fostering innovation and collaboration that respects the diverse realities of the global South. This is crucial for ensuring that solutions to methane emissions are both effective and just, particularly in a world where climate change solutions cannot be “one-size-fits-all.”
Moreover, India’s approach could underscore the importance of equity in climate negotiations. For many developing nations, methane management is not just about compliance with international standards, but also about recognizing the unique challenges they face in terms of development priorities. India might push for a global methane treaty that offers flexibility, recognizes the varying capacities of countries, and provides financial and technological support to help low-income nations tap into methane mitigation solutions.
By facilitating technology transfer and fostering collaboration with other nations, India can substantially enhance its stature as a preeminent leader in sustainable development and climate action. This strategy not only accelerates the assimilation of innovative solutions but also catalyses an exchange of knowledge across varied contexts, thereby amplifying the efficacy of climate mitigation endeavours.
India’s extensive reservoir of scientific expertise and its burgeoning technological ecosystem uniquely position it to spearhead initiatives cantered on clean technologies, including renewable energy systems, optimized agricultural methodologies, and advanced waste management solutions. Collaborating with nations possessing complementary strengths can yield the co-development of technologies specifically tailored to address regional challenges, ensuring that interventions are both efficacious and contextually pertinent.
Nusrat Jan is a political commentator and AMU alumna, specializing in Indian politics and policy analysis. She holds post graduate degree in political science from AMU, Aligarh.
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