At the ongoing COP29 conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, Kirti Vardhan Singh, India’s Union Minister of State for Environment, emphasised India’s significant strides in renewable energy and climate action while urging developed nations to take responsibility for their historical emissions and provide financial and technological support to the Global South.
In his statement, Singh emphasized the need for clear, ambitious climate finance outcomes rooted in climate justice and equity.
India’s Progress on Climate Action
Singh detailed India’s remarkable progress in expanding its renewable energy capacity. “India’s renewable energy capacity has nearly tripled since 2014, and the country is on track to meet its 500 GW target by 2030.” India has met its 2015 NDC targets early, reducing emission intensity and boosting non-fossil fuel electricity generation, marking progress.
Singh highlighted that India met its NDCs early, reducing GDP emissions intensity by 33-35% and achieving 40% non-fossil electricity.
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Mission LiFE and Local Initiatives
Singh pointed to several initiatives launched by India to further its climate agenda, such as the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) campaign. This initiative encourages individuals and communities globally to adopt sustainable lifestyle practices. The Minister also highlighted the success of the “Ek Ped Maa ke Naam” (A Plant for Mother) campaign, which has planted over one billion saplings across India. The campaign, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June, has resonated widely for its emotional and inspirational appeal.
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Climate Justice: A Call for Accountability
The Minister also took the opportunity to address the urgent need for climate justice in global negotiations. Singh called on developed nations to take responsibility for their historical emissions, significantly contributing to the ongoing climate crisis. He stressed that the Global North’s high emissions limit carbon space for the Global South, which faces climate and development challenges.
Kirti Vardhan Singh urged countries to set stronger net-zero targets and ensure sufficient carbon space for developing nations like India.