Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the country has become the first among G20 nations to meet its climate commitments under the 2015 Paris Agreement, and the feat was achieved ahead of schedule.
Speaking from the historic Red Fort on India’s 78th Independence Day, Prime Minister Modi underlined that this milestone is a significant step in the fight against climate change.
In an address to the nation, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s leadership on climate action and stressed that this achievement marks the beginning of a new era in the way India addresses environmental challenges.
India has achieved what no other G20 country has achieved: Modi
During his speech, the Prime Minister highlighted India’s crucial role in combating global climate issues, saying the nation has “reassured and surprised” the world with its proactive stance. “I want to share with the world the strength of the people of my country. My nation and its citizens have achieved what no other G20 nation has achieved,” Modi said.
Identifying climate change as a major concern for the global community, Modi asserted that India is addressing it with concrete actions and not mere rhetoric. “We are moving towards a net-zero future, a future powered by renewable energy. Our actions will speak for themselves,” Modi said during his address from the Red Fort after hoisting the national flag for the 11th time on Independence Day.
Commitment to non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030
Modi also reaffirmed India’s commitment to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based power capacity by 2030. “It is an ambitious target and the world is watching in awe. We will achieve it and ensure a brighter future for our children,” he said. India aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
As part of its updated national climate strategy, or NDC, aimed at limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, India has committed to achieving 500 gigawatts (GW) of non-fossil fuel-based electricity capacity by 2030.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) said in January that there is a strong possibility that nations that pledged to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030 at the COP28 climate conference in 2023 will follow through on their commitment. The IEA highlighted that India is on track to meet its target of installing 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based capacity by 2030 through several initiatives that will enhance renewable energy production.
The IEA further projected that India would add 205 GW of renewable energy capacity between 2023 and 2028, effectively doubling cumulative installed capacity from 2022 and positioning India as the third-largest renewable energy market globally.
Electric vehicles and the green hydrogen mission
Modi also highlighted the growing demand for electric vehicles and stressed India’s efforts to establish itself as a global hub for the Green Hydrogen Mission.
“This mission is being implemented rapidly. We are transitioning to renewable energy, which will not only help us combat climate change, but will also create great opportunities for green jobs. We intend to take advantage of these opportunities,” he said.
Worrying frequency of natural disasters
At the start of his speech, Modi expressed concern over the increasing frequency of natural disasters in recent years, referring to the recent landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, which claimed more than 230 lives on July 30. Heavy rains have also caused flooding in states such as Assam.
“This year and in recent years, natural disasters have increasingly become a source of concern,” Modi said. “Many have lost loved ones and property in these calamities, and the nation has suffered significant losses. I assure them that the nation is with them in this time of crisis,” he added.
First published: August 15, 2024 | 11:16 am IS
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