India has withdrawn its bid to host the 33rd Conference of Parties (COP33) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2028, citing a “review of its commitments for 2028.” The proposal to host COP33 was initially made by India during the Dubai Climate Summit (COP28) in 2023.
India’s withdrawal may impact India’s leadership role in Global South climate negotiations, especially on climate finance.
Analysts suggest possible factors for Withdrawing:
- Logistical burden of major events (e.g., potential 2030 Commonwealth Games)
- Avoiding pressure for higher climate commitments
Global Hosting
- COP31 (2026): Australia & Türkiye
- COP32 (2027): Ethiopia
- COP33 (2028): After India’s withdrawal, South Korea remains the only contender
Previous COP Meetings
- COP27 (2022): Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
- COP28 (2023): Dubai, UAE (UAE Consensus)
- COP29 (2024): Baku, Azerbaijan
- COP30 (2025): Belém, Brazil
- COP31 (2026): Antalya, Türkiye
About UNFCCC
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is the primary global treaty on climate change, aimed at preventing dangerous human interference with the climate system by stabilizing greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations.
Establishment
- Adopted: 1992 (Rio Earth Summit)
- Came into force: 1994
Objective
- Stabilise greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations
- Ensure:
- Food security
- Sustainable development
- Ecosystem adaptation
Core Principles
- CBDR-RC (Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities): Developed countries have-
- Greater historical responsibility
- More resources to act
- Sustainable Development
- Balance between climate action, food security, and economic growth
Institutional Mechanism
- COP (Conference of Parties):
- Supreme decision-making body
- Meets annually
- Secretariat: Located in Bonn, Germany
- Reporting System: Countries submit:
- National Communications
- Biennial Transparency Reports
Financial Mechanisms
- Green Climate Fund (GCF): Largest climate fund (~USD 20 billion+)
- Global Environment Facility (GEF): Provides seed funding for projects
- Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD): Supports countries facing climate disasters
- Adaptation Fund: Supports resilience-building projects
Major Agreements
- Kyoto Protocol (1997)
- Paris Agreement (2015)
- Target: Limit warming to below 2°C (preferably 1.5°C)
Hosting Rotation
- COP rotates among 5 UN regional groups:
- Africa
- Asia-Pacific
- Eastern Europe
- Latin America & Caribbean
- Western Europe
- India belongs to Asia-Pacific group
- India last hosted COP in 2002 (COP8)
Global Stocktake (GST)
- Conducted every 5 years to assess global progress
- 1st GST: 2023
- 2nd GST: Scheduled for 2028