It is for the first time that a UN Climate Conference (COP) is being held in the Amazon rainforest – spotlighting one of the planet’s most vital carbon sinks. The technology and consumer electronics sector faces significant decisions at this conference, particularly regarding updated climate commitments and financing mechanisms.
Global temperatures surpassed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for the first time in 2024. India’s consumer electronics industry, which is expanding rapidly, must now navigate stricter climate guidelines while maintaining product affordability for middle-class consumers.
COP30 emphasises implementation over target-setting. Brazil’s presidency has structured the conference around six thematic areas, including energy, industry, and transport. Countries must submit updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for 2035, which should demonstrate measurable progress rather than aspirational goals.
The electronics sector’s response to these commitments will determine its role in climate action. Products consume energy during use, but manufacturing processes also contribute substantially to emissions. The conference guidelines may establish clearer expectations for both aspects.
The Baku to Belém Roadmap aims to mobilise $1.3 trillion annually by 2035 for climate action in developing countries. The current commitment stands at $300 billion per year. This gap reflects the actual costs of transitioning to sustainable manufacturing versus available funding.
For Indian electronics manufacturers, access to climate finance could accelerate adoption of renewable energy and efficient production technologies. The conference may clarify which technologies qualify for financing and how companies can access these funds. Affordability remains essential for the Indian market, where pricing determines adoption rates.
COP30 will address targets to triple renewable energy capacity and double energy-efficiency improvements by 2030. Consumer electronics contribute to household energy consumption, making efficiency standards directly relevant.
Technologies such as inverter compressors in air conditioners, optimised wash cycles in washing machines, and LED backlighting in televisions can reduce energy use significantly. However, these features typically increase production costs. Conference guidelines need to address how developing markets can implement efficiency standards without pricing products beyond consumer reach.
COP30 is expected to finalise indicators for tracking progress on the Global Goal on Adaptation. These metrics could establish standardised frameworks for measuring water savings, energy reduction, and carbon footprint across supply chains.
Standardised indicators would help consumers compare products and enable manufacturers to demonstrate verified sustainability improvements. Such frameworks could also reduce greenwashing by establishing measurable criteria rather than marketing claims.
India’s electronics sector has scale through Make in India initiatives, growing manufacturing capacity, and substantial domestic demand. International climate architecture needs to recognise that sustainable manufacturing in developing economies requires different support mechanisms than in developed markets.
Technology transfer discussions at COP30 may determine whether Indian manufacturers can access advanced sustainable production methods. The conference’s focus on South-South cooperation and private sector engagement could create new partnerships for technology sharing.
COP30 guidelines should address practical implementation barriers. Preferential financing for green technology adoption, harmonised sustainability certifications, and carbon market mechanisms that recognise emission reductions by developing-economy manufacturers would accelerate progress.
Consumer awareness about environmental impact is growing. Companies that demonstrate measurable sustainability improvements will gain competitive advantages. However, this requires support systems that make sustainable manufacturing economically viable.
Hosting COP30 in the Amazon –home to 20% of global oxygen production and billions of tonnes of stored carbon – reinforces the urgency of climate action. The tech sector’s emissions are rising; data centre emissions alone may triple by 2030. However, efficient appliances can reduce household electricity consumption by half, and water-saving technologies can conserve thousands of litres per household annually.
The commitments made in Belém will shape climate action trajectories through 2035. India’s consumer electronics industry can demonstrate that economic growth and environmental responsibility can coexist. The guidelines from this conference will determine whether manufacturers have the tools and incentives to achieve both.
Ravi Agarwal is Co-Founder and Managing Director of Cellecor. The views expressed are personal.
