India, Feb. 17 -- Despite setbacks from an unfavourable COP29 finance outcome and U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, UN Climate Chief Simon Stiell remains optimistic about the $2 trillion clean energy boom. In an interview with Hindustan Times, he discusses how countries, including India, can benefit from the energy transition. Edited excerpts:

How does UNFCCC plan to mobilise countries to submit updated NDCs for 2035?

Over 170 countries have indicated they are working on their new national climate plans, and the vast majority plan to submit this year. Brazil and the UK have already submitted bold new plans, because it's entirely in the interests of their economies and their citizens.

From the conversations I've been having, cou...