News Delhi: India is making significant strides towards reducing carbon emissions, despite facing many challenges due to its diverse landscape, said Union Environment Minister Sh. Bhupender Yadav at the Re-Invest Summit 2024. Speaking at the Plenary Session on India’s Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions, the Minister shared India’s plans for a sustainable future. The summit was held at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, with Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Sh. Pralhad Joshi also in attendance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the three-day summit on September 16.
During his address, Sh. Yadav emphasized the importance of choosing sustainability for the protection of ecosystems, biodiversity, and the development of society. He noted, “We must create effective technological and management systems through policy, innovation, and capacity building to ensure sustainability for the world.” He stressed that countries need to develop plans that prioritize fairness, ensuring that all people have access to health, justice, and prosperity. This, he explained, will help promote social equity while supporting economic growth and preserving natural resources for future generations.
India's Emission Progress and Global Context
Sh. Yadav highlighted India's unique position in the global emission landscape. While India makes up 17% of the world's population, it only contributes 5% to global emissions. In contrast, developed countries, with 17% of the world’s population, are responsible for 60% of emissions. Despite having low per capita emissions, India continues to address its energy needs while working towards reducing carbon output.
The Minister also pointed out that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is the only G20 country to have met two out of three key climate goals (Nationally Determined Contributions, or NDCs) from the Paris Agreement, and it has done so nine years ahead of schedule. India is committed to achieving climate action goals that support development and improve human wellbeing.
Mission LiFE and Climate-Friendly Practices
As part of the government's Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), Sh. Yadav outlined the seven key areas identified in the first 100 days:
- Save Water
- Save Energy
- Reduce Waste
- Minimize E-Waste
- Say No to Single-Use Plastics
- Adopt Sustainable Food Systems
- Embrace Healthy Lifestyles
These initiatives are aimed at promoting climate-friendly practices that individuals and communities can adopt to reduce their environmental impact.
Role of Private Sector and Sustainable Development
According to the Union Minister, the private sector will play a key role in helping India achieve its Net-Zero target by 2070. This can be done by strengthening renewable energy systems, developing low-carbon technologies, and addressing demand-side challenges. Sh. Yadav called for the thoughtful and efficient use of fossil fuels and the creation of integrated, inclusive low-carbon transport systems. He also emphasized sustainable urbanization, considering both economic and environmental factors.
Bio-Based Policies, Green Hydrogen, and MSMEs
Sh. Yadav shared that the government is advancing bio-based policies, promoting the use of green hydrogen, and focusing on recycling and circular economy strategies. The goal is to encourage fuel switching and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. He added that empowering the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector is crucial for achieving sustainability goals. International cooperation and helping the Global South will also be key topics of focus at the upcoming COP29 climate conference.
Capacity Building, Climate Finance, and Technology Transfer
The Minister noted that climate finance must be carefully defined to meet the capacity-building needs of developing countries. The Ministry of Energy is already exploring the concept of a carbon market and has launched the Green Climate Fund to support the development of renewable energy. He stressed that the economic viability of capacity building and technology transfer is critical for growing the renewable energy market.
Conclusion
The Re-Invest Summit 2024 brought together various experts, stakeholders, and government officials to discuss India’s future path towards net-zero emissions. Alongside Sh. Yadav, the event was attended by notable figures such as Sh. R P Gupta, former Secretary of MoEFCC and Chairman of Solar Energy Corporation of India, and Sh. P K Singh, Officer on Special Duty to the Government of India.
With India’s commitment to sustainability and reducing emissions, the country is leading by example in climate action on the global stage, despite the challenges it faces.