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In an exclusive interview with News18, Lusigi said India’s climate action is not only about reducing emissions but also about protecting livelihoods and a just transition
This year’s biggest climate change conference, COP30, is set to begin in Belem, Brazil, on November 10. (Image: Canva)
Accessible and equitable climate finance for developing countries is more urgent than ever, said Angela Lusigi, Permanent Representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in India, on the eve of The United Nations COP30 climate change conference is set to open in Belem, Brazil, on Monday.
Describing COP30 as a pivotal moment, she stressed that the world must now move from lofty promises to real, measurable action that delivers tangible benefits for people and the planet.
Speaking to CNN-News18 in an exclusive interview, Lusigi, who has worked extensively on sustainable development, said the UN climate conference must scale up adaptation by focusing on communities most affected by climate change.
“Second, it must focus on unlocking climate finance, without which climate action is impossible. COP30 must also ensure progress towards a just transition. As India transitions to a low-carbon economy, it is important to create alternative livelihoods, reskill workers and strengthen social protection so we can create jobs,” she stressed.
This year’s biggest climate change conference, COP30, is set to begin in Belem, Brazil, on November 10, where leaders and representatives from more than 195 countries will gather to discuss the next phase of global climate action. Brazil’s presidency framed COP30 as a “COP on implementation,” publishing a series of letters outlining the summit’s agenda and vision, including proposals on forests, finance, and clean energy.
Lusigi said UNDP in India is already working with the government of Jharkhand, a major coal state, on a just transition and building a future-ready workforce. “India’s climate story is not just about reducing emissions, but also about empowering people, protecting livelihoods and building a greener and more just world,” she said.
India has already committed to net zero by 2070 and has already met the landmark target of achieving 50% of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources — five years ahead of the 2030 deadline set by its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) in the Paris Agreement.
She also highlighted the need for fair and affordable financing for developing countries, especially in light of the frustration surrounding the new climate finance target (NCQG) agreed at last year’s Baku COP.
“It’s not just how much climate finance is available, but how it’s used and whether it actually reaches communities driving change on the ground,” she said, noting that in India, UNDP is also working with West Bengal and Karnataka to develop climate finance mechanisms to direct resources to where they are most needed.
Speaking about her expectations for the upcoming COP30, Lusigi said she hoped India would continue to lead climate discussions in a spirit of fairness and inclusion.
Srishti Choudhary, Senior Associate Editor at CNN-News18, specializes in science, environment and climate change reporting. With over a decade of extensive field experience, she has brought insightful on-the-ground rap…More details
Srishti Choudhary, Senior Associate Editor at CNN-News18, specializes in science, environment and climate change reporting. With over a decade of extensive field experience, she has brought insightful on-the-ground rap… More details
8 Nov 2025 08:00 IST
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