The Apex Committee for Implementation of Paris Agreement (ACIPA) is a critical body established by the Indian government to ensure the effective implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change. The Paris Agreement, signed in 2015, is a landmark global agreement aimed at limiting global warming to less than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The ACIPA is tasked with coordinating and overseeing the implementation of India`s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
The ACIPA is chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and comprises of representatives from various ministries and departments, including the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Power, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, and Ministry of Agriculture. The committee is responsible for monitoring the implementation of India`s NDCs, identifying gaps and challenges, and developing strategies to overcome them.
One of the key tasks of the ACIPA is to ensure that India meets its target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions intensity of its GDP by 33-35% below 2005 levels by 2030. This target is a significant challenge, given India`s large and growing population, rapid economic growth, and the need to address poverty and development imperatives. However, India has also taken several steps to achieve this target, such as increasing the share of renewable energy in its energy mix, promoting energy efficiency, and encouraging the use of electric vehicles.
The ACIPA has an important role to play in ensuring that these efforts are coordinated and effectively implemented. The committee is also responsible for identifying opportunities for climate financing and leveraging international support to achieve India`s climate goals. For example, India has launched several initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure aimed at promoting global cooperation on climate change.
Overall, the ACIPA plays a critical role in India`s efforts to combat climate change and implement the Paris Agreement. As the world faces increasing climate risks and challenges, the importance of this body cannot be overstated. By ensuring effective implementation of India`s climate commitments, the ACIPA can help ensure a more sustainable and resilient future for all.