Union Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister R.K. Singh asserted on Tuesday that in the global fight against climate change, developed countries must take the lead in reducing emissions.
Addressing India's stance ahead of COP28, the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2023, Singh highlighted the historical emissions from developed nations that utilized fossil fuels for economic development. He emphasized that these countries, having contributed around 85% of the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere due to their industrialization, should shoulder the responsibility of cutting emissions.
Singh pointed out that India, with 17% of the world's population, contributes only 3.5% to the carbon dioxide load. Moreover, India's per capita emissions are one-third of the world average, while developed countries exhibit emissions three times higher than the global average.
The minister emphasized India's commitment to meeting its growing economy's electricity needs and stated that the country had surpassed the nationally determined contributions (NDC) target of having 40% of installed power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030 nine years ahead of schedule. Singh reaffirmed India's goals at COP-21, stating that by 2030, 50% of capacity would be from renewables, with a 45% reduction in emission intensity.
Singh highlighted India's leadership in renewable energy, adding capacity at the world's fastest rate. The Power Pavilion at the International Trade Fair showcased the government's transformative initiatives in the power sector, with significant achievements in power capacity addition, national grid integration, and distribution system strengthening.
(With Agency Inputs)
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