India has taken a firm stance on the global stage, emphasizing equity and climate justice at the UN Climate Summit hosted in the UAE, calling for proactive steps towards global climate action. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav delivered a resolute national statement, underlining India's commitment to combating climate change while safeguarding its people's well-being and development.
Yadav stressed the significance of the forthcoming Global Stocktake outcomes, urging for substantial contributions to enhance climate action while underscoring that ambitious initiatives must be led by developed nations. He reiterated that equity and climate justice should form the cornerstone of international climate efforts, particularly urging developed countries to spearhead aggressive climate action.
The Global Stocktake, a critical assessment of countries' efforts to mitigate climate change, looms as a pivotal checkpoint during the summit, amplifying the urgency for decisive action in curbing climate-altering activities.
While the global push to phase out fossil fuels gains momentum, countries like India, while being among the largest coal producers, grapple with the necessity of an equitable transition. India's reliance on coal for energy security, especially for its vast population and developmental needs, remains a pivotal concern amid the growing discourse on fossil fuel elimination.
India's stance on equity, alongside Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR), resonates with the concerns of many developing nations. Yadav emphasized that any resource mobilization within the New Collective Quantified Goal should align with the developmental needs of developing countries, spotlighting the criticality of fair and need-based allocation.
Highlighting India's proactive measures, Yadav showcased the nation's significant achievements in reducing emission intensity in relation to GDP and surpassing initial NDC (Nationally Determined Contributions) targets well ahead of schedule. India has notably achieved a substantial portion of its electric capacity through non-fossil fuel sources, significantly advancing its clean energy goals.
India's recently updated NDCs reaffirm its commitment to scaling up non-fossil fuel-based electric capacity and reducing emission intensity. The nation aims to achieve 50% of cumulative electric power through non-fossil fuels by 2030, signaling a robust and ambitious approach toward sustainable energy.
As the UN Climate Summit advances towards its final phase, India's unwavering stance on equity, climate justice, and proactive climate action underlines the urgency for concerted global efforts in addressing climate change.
