1. Union Minister Bhupender Yadav underscores the fundamental right to affordable and green energy for all Indian citizens.
2. He emphasizes dignified living standards during his speech at the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS).
3. Yadav highlights India’s dedication to sustainable development goals and the Paris Agreement.
New Delhi, Feb 08: Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, emphasized the fundamental right of all Indian citizens to access affordable and green energy, stressing the importance of dignified living standards for everyone.
During his inaugural speech at the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS), Yadav highlighted India’s commitment to sustainable development goals and the Paris Agreement.
He underlined the nation’s rapid transition towards renewable energy, with around 100 GW of installed electric capacity added between 2017 and 2023, 80% of which comes from non-fossil fuel sources.
India’s proactive measures include updating its nationally determined contribution (NDC) and achieving significant climate goals ahead of schedule.
Yadav noted that India had reduced the emission intensity of GDP by 33% between 2005 and 2019, surpassing its target by 11 years, and achieved 44% of its electric installed capacity through non-fossil fuel sources, nine years ahead of the 2030 target.
Addressing the summit, COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev stressed the need for nearly USD 6 trillion by 2030 to combat and adapt to climate change, emphasizing the importance of a clear roadmap to triple energy capacity and double energy efficiency.
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He emphasized the role of international collaboration in translating ambitious targets into tangible realities.
Babayev highlighted the decision to host COP29 as a testament to the belief in global cooperation to address climate challenges.
He emphasized the interconnected nature of climate issues and the potential for impactful solutions through cooperation and dialogue on a global scale.
Prof. Hoesung Lee, former Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), discussed the goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C.
He underscored the urgent need to bridge gaps in policy, ambition, implementation, finance, and technology, pointing out the economic opportunities associated with taking additional actions to combat climate change.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasized India’s commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2070 and expanding the use of biofuels in the transport sector.
He noted the significant boost to electric vehicles and the increasing emphasis on the circular economy, aligning with sustainability objectives.
