Climate change is an unfolding global crisis as it affects economies, livelihoods, food security and human survival. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, melting glaciers, floods, droughts and changing rainfall patterns are placing growing pressure on countries across the world. Yet, the impact is not equally distributed. Developing nations, despite having contributed relatively less to historical greenhouse gas emissions, often face some of the greatest consequences. This makes climate justice, equity and shared responsibility central to any meaningful global response. India’s stand at the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), being held in Antalya, Türkiye, reflects this concern. India has ‘reaffirmed its commitment’ to climate multilateralism and equity, calling for a fair and ambitious outcome based on CBDR-RC principles. The position highlights an important reality: climate action cannot succeed if the responsibilities of countries are treated as identical, regardless of their historical emissions, financial strength and development needs. The UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement remain important platforms for international cooperation. Every country must have a voice in decisions that affect the future of the planet. India’s support for the COP31 Presidency’s vision of a ‘COP of Implementation’, based on Dialogue, Consensus and Action, is particularly relevant. For years, global climate negotiations have produced declarations, targets and commitments. The real challenge lies in translating them into measurable action. Dialogue must build trust, consensus must ensure collective ownership, and commitments must lead to tangible progress. The urgency has increased with the growing risk of global warming crossing the 1.5°C threshold. The consequences are already visible in vulnerable regions, where extreme weather events threaten agriculture, water resources, infrastructure and public health. For countries such as India, climate change presents a complex challenge. The need to reduce emissions must go hand in hand with the responsibility to provide energy, housing, healthcare, education and economic opportunities to a large population. A transition that ignores these development priorities cannot be considered just or sustainable. This is why the principle of a just transition deserves greater attention. Moving towards cleaner energy systems is necessary, but the process must also protect workers, communities and economies dependent on conventional energy sectors. Developing countries require technology, financial assistance and adequate time to make this transition without compromising their development aspirations. Adaptation is equally important. Communities facing floods, droughts, heatwaves and changing agricultural conditions need stronger infrastructure, early warning systems and climate-resilient livelihoods.
Climate finance remains one of the most important issues in this debate. Developing countries cannot be expected to meet increasingly ambitious climate targets without adequate financial support. India’s emphasis on public finance from developed countries is therefore significant. Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement clearly establishes the obligation of developed countries to provide financial resources to developing nations. Such assistance should be predictable, accessible and sufficient to support both mitigation and adaptation efforts. Climate finance must not become another burden through excessive debt, particularly for countries already struggling with economic and developmental challenges.