Yadav calls for equal focus on adaptation, mitigation ahead of COP31

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Tuesday called for equal attention to climate adaptation, mitigation and means of implementation ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference, or COP31, to be held in Türkiye's Antalya in November.

Addressing the leaders' plenary in Fiji, as part of the pre-COP31 meetings co-hosted by Australia, Fiji and Tuvalu, Yadav said the key principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) must also be upheld.

"As we move towards COP31, India believes that adaptation, mitigation and means of implementation must receive equal attention, while the key principles of CBDR-RC must be upheld in letter and spirit," Yadav said.

Pre-COP meetings are held in the weeks leading up to the annual climate conference to facilitate discussions on key issues and help build consensus ahead of formal negotiations.

Yadav also stressed that there could not be a "one-size-fits-all" approach to climate action, emphasising the importance of local studies and assessments in addressing emerging challenges.

"There cannot be a 'one-size-fits-all' pathway to climate action. Local studies and assessments are important for finding solutions to emerging challenges of the area," he said.

"These solutions, in turn, indicate the mitigation and adaptation measures required and the commensurate resources required for the same," the minister said.

CBDR-RC recognises that all countries share responsibility for addressing environmental degradation but acknowledges differences in their historical contributions, responsibilities and respective capacities to tackle climate change.

Yadav also said India, with its vast coastline and islands, fully understands the challenges confronting Pacific island countries, many of which are particularly vulnerable to climate change and its impacts.