As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed his country’s dedication to the cause. PM Modi emphasized the collective responsibility of combating climate change while shedding light on India’s unique position as a developing nation. Here are some key points highlighting India’s stance on climate change and its collaboration with the UAE.
PM Modi stressed the importance of global cooperation in ensuring climate financing and technology transfer to developing countries. Recognizing that these nations have not contributed significantly to the problem, he emphasized the need for practical and assured mechanisms to facilitate their participation in climate action.
A view from one of the attendees at COP28 – Mr Simarpreet Singh, Director and CEO, Hartek Group.
“At COP28, Hartek Group proudly takes center stage in the global discourse on climate action, embodying our unwavering commitment to a sustainable future. With over 70,000 diverse delegates united in purpose, this event symbolizes a collective dedication to combatting climate change, a mission we wholeheartedly endorse.
“Our vision harmonizes seamlessly with the global ambition of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. In the past year alone, Hartek Group has saved an impressive 1.92 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions and installed over 5 Gigawatts of Solar Grid connectivity, earning us a place among the top 3 rooftop solar companies in India.
At COP 28, I emphasize the pivotal role of solar energy in addressing global sustainability. By discussing advancements in solar technology, efficiency improvements, and scalability, we can contribute to broader conversations about transitioning to clean energy. Exploring collaborative initiatives, research partnerships, and policy advocacy were also some focal points, promoting a comprehensive approach to combat climate change. I engaged in meaningful discussions on the vital shift towards renewable resources, fostering a collective commitment to a greener and more sustainable future.”
The Indian Prime Minister underscored the principles of equity, climate justice, shared obligations, and capacities in the fight against climate change. He emphasized that the development priorities of the Global South should not be compromised during this collective effort.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi summed up the country’s standpoint in his speech at the UNFCCC meet on Friday: “For global good, it is important that the rights of everyone are protected, and everyone has equal participation.” India achieved its emission intensity-related target 11 years ago and is on track to achieving its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) towards the Paris Pact, he said. Prime Minister Modi also reiterated the country’s renewable energy commitments. At the same time, the government has been unequivocal about coal’s important role in the country’s economy.
PM Modi highlighted the strong partnership between India and the UAE in addressing climate change. The two nations have actively collaborated on various initiatives, with a particular focus on sustainability across the entire energy spectrum.
PM Modi expressed appreciation for the UAE’s investments in India’s renewable energy projects, and both nations resolved to enhance cooperation in green hydrogen, solar energy, and grid connectivity.
PM Modi outlined India’s ambitious targets, including achieving 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030 and ensuring that 50% of energy requirements come from renewable sources. He also mentioned the goal of reducing carbon intensity by 45% by 2030 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2070.
India, with its rapidly growing economy, faces the dual challenge of meeting surging power demand while transitioning towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. Despite commendable progress in the adoption of renewables over the past five years, coal continues to dominate the country’s energy landscape, constituting more than 70% of its energy needs.
Over the past half-decade, India has witnessed a noteworthy increase in the share of renewables in its energy basket. Investments in solar and wind power projects, coupled with government incentives and policies, have propelled the growth of clean energy. The country’s commitment to reaching 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030 underscores its determination to reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuels.
However, the transition is a complex and gradual process. Coal, a historically dominant energy source, has deep-rooted infrastructural and economic ties that make a swift shift challenging.
India’s economic rebound post the Covid-induced crisis has driven a surge in power demand. Balancing this demand with sustainability goals poses a significant challenge. The government’s commitment to renewables, evident in ambitious targets and policies, signals a determined effort to navigate this challenge.
India’s initiatives for promoting pro-planet lifestyles, such as Mission LiFE was one of the hottest topics at COP28. PM Modi introduced the “Green Credit Initiative,” a market-based mechanism incentivizing voluntary environmental actions, which is set to be launched officially during COP28. This innovative program is poised to become a catalyst for global collaboration, fostering environmentally friendly actions on a massive scale.
Born out of India’s commitment to proactively address climate change, the Green Credit Initiative is a market-based mechanism designed to incentivize voluntary environmental actions across diverse sectors. The program seeks to encourage large-scale participation by offering a unique form of currency – “Green Credits” – as a reward for impactful pro-planet endeavors.
The Green Credit Initiative operates on a simple yet powerful premise. Stakeholders engaging in environmentally beneficial actions, such as afforestation on waste or degraded lands and river catchment areas, will be eligible to receive Green Credits. These credits, akin to a form of environmental currency, can be traded, utilized, or redeemed, creating a dynamic ecosystem of sustainable practices.
The initiative aims to rejuvenate river basins, enrich the soil, purify the air, and restore and revive natural ecosystems. By promoting positive environmental actions, the Green Credit Initiative not only aligns with global climate action goals but also contributes to broader sustainable development objectives.
PM Modi discussed India’s ‘Panchamrit’ strategy, comprising five commitments, including reaching 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. India is the only G20 country on track to achieving its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Here are the ‘Panchamrit’ promises announced by PM Modi at the climate summit:
(i) India will increase its non-fossil fuel energy capacity to 500 GW by the year 2030.
(ii) By 2030, the country will meet 50 percent of its energy requirements through renewable energy.
(iii) India will cut its total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes by 2030.
(iv) The country will further reduce the carbon intensity of its economy to less than 45 percent by 2030.
(v) India will reach the set target of net zero emissions by 2070.
At the COP26 summit, PM Modi also called for a global push to adopt sustainable lifestyles, which was further extended by the LiFE movement of the government in 2022.
PM Modi expressed hopes for credible progress on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on Climate Finance at COP28. He also mentioned other initiatives, such as the Green Credit Initiative and the LeadIT initiative, to be promoted during the conference.
As India gears up for COP28, PM Modi’s words provide valuable insights into the nation’s commitment to addressing climate change. The emphasis on global cooperation, equity, and sustainable development reflects India’s proactive role in the fight against climate change. The collaboration with the UAE and the launch of initiatives like the Green Credit Initiative demonstrate India’s determination to lead by example in creating a more sustainable and resilient future.
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