India Criticises Developed Countries for Their Role in Climate Crisis at ICJ Hearing

India criticised developed nations for their role in the climate crisis during a significant hearing at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The country accused these nations of depleting the global carbon budget and failing to meet climate-finance commitments. India argued that developed countries are now pressuring developing nations to limit their resource use, despite historical emissions being largely from the developed world.

Climate Obligations and Equity

The ICJ is assessing countries' legal duties to combat climate change and the repercussions of neglecting these responsibilities. India urged the court not to impose new obligations beyond the current climate-change framework. It emphasised considering historical emissions, climate justice, and equitable access to the global carbon budget. "If contribution to degradation is unequal, responsibility must also be unequal," stated Luther M Rangreji, joint secretary in India's Ministry of External Affairs.

India highlighted that climate change is a global issue needing a collective solution. However, solutions should adhere to principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR-RC). It is unfair for countries with minimal historical emissions to shoulder an equal burden in addressing climate change. Developed nations should lead by achieving net zero before 2050 and support developing countries.

Challenges for Developing Nations

Rangreji pointed out that developing countries suffer most from climate change impacts despite contributing the least. Developed countries, having historically contributed the most, possess better technological and economic resources to tackle this challenge. India criticised wealthy nations for benefiting from fossil fuels while discouraging developing countries from using their energy resources.

India argued that developing countries' obligations under the Paris Agreement hinge on two factors: climate finance and climate justice. The lack of action on climate-finance commitments was also condemned. The USD 100 billion promised at Copenhagen COP in 2009 and increased contributions to the Adaptation Fund have not materialised into tangible actions.

Climate Finance Commitments

India described the new climate-finance package for the Global South agreed at COP29 in Azerbaijan's Baku as insufficient and too delayed to address urgent needs. A fair assessment of states' obligations requires evaluating the climate-finance support provided. India stressed fairness and equity, stating that unequal contributions to environmental degradation should result in unequal responsibilities.

The rapidly growing South Asian nation reaffirmed its commitment to its Paris Agreement targets but cautioned against overburdening its citizens. With about 17.8% of the global population, India's historical contribution to climate change is less than 4%. The country noted that science behind climate change evolves and may carry biases based on evidence interpretation choices.

Global Climate Change Hearing

The hearing follows years of advocacy by Pacific island nations and Vanuatu, leading to a UN resolution requesting an ICJ advisory opinion. Over two weeks, 98 countries, including small island nations and major emitters, will share their perspectives. Although non-binding, the ICJ's opinion could establish a moral and legal standard in combating global climate change.

India remains committed to sustainable development goals for its vast population but emphasises limits on citizen burdens. Decisions on responsibilities should not rely solely on scientific guidance due to potential biases in interpreting evidence.