India has taken a bold stand against the latest global climate deal announced at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The agreement, which aims to raise $300 billion annually for climate action and a total of $1.3 trillion by 2035, has been labeled by India as an unrealistic and insufficient attempt to tackle the climate crisis.
Chandni Raina, a key Indian negotiator and advisor at the country’s Finance Ministry, made India’s position clear, calling the deal an “optical illusion” that ignores the challenges faced by developing nations. She criticized the proposal for failing to meet the needs of the Global South, which is bearing the brunt of climate change despite contributing the least to it.
What Is the Deal About?
After three years of discussions, COP29 members reached an agreement to replace the current $100 billion climate spending goal (which expires next year) with a more ambitious target. Developed countries are expected to take the lead in providing these funds, but the deal also invites developing nations to contribute voluntarily.
While developed countries celebrated the agreement as a significant breakthrough, many developing nations, including India, were unimpressed. They argued that the $300 billion goal was nowhere near the amount needed to effectively combat climate change.
India’s Strong Words
Raina did not hold back in her critique, calling the funding goal a “meager sum” that will not allow for real progress. She also condemned the expectation for developing nations to contribute financially, calling it a “deflection of responsibility” by wealthier nations. “The proposed goal will not solve our issues. It is woefully insufficient,” she stated, adding that the agreement was pushed through without giving India a chance to voice its objections.
A Growing Chorus of Criticism
India isn’t alone in its dissatisfaction. Other developing nations have echoed its sentiments. Nigeria called the $300 billion figure “a joke,” while Bolivia labeled it an “insult” to climate justice. African countries, represented by Ali Mohamed, criticized the deal for being “too little, too late” for a continent facing severe climate impacts. Mohamed pointed out that between $5.1 trillion and $6.8 trillion is needed globally by 2030 to address the crisis effectively.
Small island nations, represented by the Association of Small Island States (AOSIS), were so frustrated that they walked out of the summit entirely, accusing COP29 of failing to offer a meaningful path forward.
Protests Add Fuel to the Fire
As tensions mounted inside the conference halls, climate activists made their voices heard outside. Protesters called on rich countries to fulfill their financial obligations, chanting slogans like “Global North, pay up trillions, not billions” and “Rich countries, pay your climate debt.” Their banners reflected the growing frustration of people around the world who feel the promises of climate action have been all talk and no substance.
What’s Next?
The COP29 deal has deepened the divide between the Global North and South on climate financing. For developing nations, the path forward remains uncertain. Will wealthy nations step up their commitments to match the scale of the crisis? Or will this deal prove to be yet another unfulfilled promise?
One thing is clear: the fight for climate justice is far from over, and India’s rejection of this deal has set the stage for a heated global debate.
