23.11.20

India will exceed Paris pact targets: PM

India has set itself an ambitious target of generating 450 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030. Addressing G-20 leaders on a ‘circular carbon economy approach’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “We will meet our goal of 175 gigawatts of renewable energy well before the target of 2022. Now, we are taking a big step ahead by seeking to achieve 450 gigawatts by 2030.”

India, he said, would not only meet its Paris Accord targets but exceed them.

Climate change, Modi said, “must be fought not in silos but in an integrated, comprehensive and holistic way.” India he said, was adopting low carbon and climate-resilient development practices.

Highlighting two big initiatives spearheaded by India, the International Solar Alliance and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Modi said, “we are encouraging a circular economy. India is making next-generation infrastructure such as metro networks, water-ways and more. In addition to convenience and efficiency, they will also contribute to a cleaner environment.”

The ISA is the fastest-growing international alliance with 88 countries having signed up so far. “With plans to mobilise billions of dollars to train thousands of stake-holders, and promote research and development in renewable energy, the ISA will contribute to reducing carbon footprint.”

The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure has 18 countries and four international organisations as members. “Infrastructure damage during natural disasters is a subject that has not got the attention it deserves. The poorer nations are especially impacted by this. Therefore, this coalition is important,” Modi said.

India, he said, has “made LED lights popular. This saves 38 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year. Smokefree kitchens have been provided to 80 million houses through our Ujjwala scheme.” India was attempting to eliminate the use of single-use plastics, expanding forest cover and encouraging a circular economy.

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