Developing Nations Need Finance, Not New Climate Mandates: CEEW Study

New Delhi, November 4, 2026: Developing countries need adequate finance, technology and policy support, rather than additional climate mandates, to accelerate their transition away from fossil fuels, according to a new study by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW).

The study, titled Whose Transition? Unpacking the Discourse on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels in Climate Negotiations, analyses 21 submissions representing 115 countries to the COP30 Presidency’s fossil fuel roadmap.

Ahead of COP31, scheduled to begin in Antalya, Türkiye, on November 9, CEEW called for an inclusive and equitable energy transition based on countries’ national circumstances. It said a global target of 35 per cent electrification by 2035 must recognise different starting points, with India projected to reach around 27 per cent under current trends.

The report highlighted a significant climate finance gap, noting that the annual $300 billion climate finance goal falls short of developing countries’ estimated requirements of $455-584 billion through 2030.

The study also found that only seven countries, including India, China and South Africa, are on track to meet their 2030 climate targets, while several developed economies are falling behind.

CEEW stressed that climate action must ensure fairness, financial support and meaningful participation of developing countries.