U.S.-India Energy and Climate Ahead of COP 27
Washington DC | October 11th, 2022
Ahead of global climate negotiations at COP 27 in Egypt in November, ORF America hosted a panel discussion on the state of U.S.-India energy and climate cooperation. Since previous climate talks at COP 26 in Glasgow, both challenges and opportunities in energy and climate have unfolded for the United States and India. This panel discussion explored “what to look for” ahead of these climate talks given latest developments.
The panel described the mood going into next month's climate talks at COP 27 as one of "delivery" and "implementation." While 90% of the global economy is under some sort of net-zero emission target, the talks will require countries to coalesce and take concrete steps to not only decarbonize their economies, but also address finance, resilience, and adaptation as well in pursuit of these net-zero goals. Russia's war in Ukraine and accompanying shocks to global energy markets present geopolitical difficulties ahead of the talks. Since COP 26, these developments have widened divides, which means there is more pressure on countries to talk to each other and cooperate to implement net-zero goals. Short-term energy security and development objectives must align with long-term decarbonization imperatives, but through diverse pathways with no "one-size-fits-all."
Beyond COP 27, panelists also discussed India's upcoming presidency of the G20 and hosting of the Clean Energy Ministerial, an intergovernmental grouping of major economies investing in clean energy. India's priorities next year when chairing these two groups include sustainable growth, digital public infrastructure, and other topics applicable to climate action. Through these fora, India can provide solutions to climate adaptation, resilience, and a modern resilient energy system.
Lastly, the panel discussed the recent Inflation Reduction Act in the United States, which made historic investments in clean energy. The act increases U.S. credibility at COP 27, and presents a basis for further cooperation between the United States and India. However, more needs to be done by the United States and Europe to help developing countries in their clean energy transitions.
Featured Speakers:
Claire Healy, Director of Washington Office, E3G
Sunjoy Joshi, Chairman, Observer Research Foundation
Shayak Sengupta, Fellow in Energy & Climate, ORF America (moderator)
