‘Phasing Down’ Rather Than ‘Phasing Out’ Fossil Fuels, India’s Intervention On Climate Deal Signed At COP26

It has also been agreed that the countries would again meet next year to further discuss cutting down carbon so that the goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degree Celsius can be reached. 

New Delhi: A new climate agreement had been accepted by negotiators from around 200 countries at the COP26 summit on Saturday in Glasgow. The new climate agreement also includes a deal proposed by India to “phase down” fossil fuels rather than “phasing out”, reported PTI. 

This makes the Glasgow climate pact one of the first climate deals of the United Nations to cut down coal consumption which is responsible for greenhouse gases that adversely affect the climate. It has also been agreed that the countries would again meet next year to further discuss cutting down carbon so that the goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius can be reached. 

The new pact was declared “decided” by Alok Sharma, the President of COP26. 

"I hope we can leave this conference united, having delivered something significant for people and the planet together as one," Sharma said. 

The deal proposed by India regarding fossil fuels was criticised by several countries. The criticism came even after the Union Environment Minister, Bhupender Yadav raised concern as to how can developing nations be expected to promise “phasing out” coal and fossil fuel subsidies when they still have to deal with their development agendas and poverty eradication. 

India had earlier made an intervention during a stocktaking meeting expressing disappointment over the draft text of the agreement. "Mr President (Sharma) thank you for your continued efforts to build consensus. I'm afraid, however, the consensus remained elusive. India stands ready for constructive debate and equitable and just solution in this forum," said the Environment Minister. 

Yadav also spoke on the issue of subsidies as to how they provide social security and support to people. “For example, we (India) are giving subsidies for use of LPG to low-income households. This subsidy has been of great help in almost eliminating biomass burning for cooking and improved health from the reduction in indoor air pollution,” he said.

 Sharma concluded the summit and apologised for “the way this process has unfolded.” "I am deeply sorry," he said, amid criticism from some countries on the final agreed draft. He also addressed the disappointment that several countries have expressed and said, “I also understand the deep disappointment. But I think as you have noted, it is also vital that we protect this package."