Committed to Reduce Emissions by 33 to 35% From 2005 Levels: PM Modi at WSDS

PM Modi at the WSDS inauguration reiterated India’s commitment to reduce the emissions intensity of GDP by 33 to 35 percent from 2005 levels.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 10, 2021, inaugurated the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2021 via video conferencing. During the event, PM Modi reiterated India’s commitment to reduce the emissions intensity of GDP by 33 to 35 percent from 2005 levels.

The theme of WSDS 2021 is ‘Redefining our common future: Safe and secure environment for all’. The PM in his address said that “two things will define how the progress journey of humanity will unfold in the times to come. First is the health of our people. Second is the health of our planet, both are inter-linked.”

The Prime Minister emphasised on climate justice for fighting against climate change. Climate justice is inspired by a vision of trusteeship – where growth comes with greater compassion to the poorest. Climate justice also means giving the developing countries enough space to grow. “When each and every one of us understands our individual and/ collective duties, climate justice will be achieved,” he said.

He then went on to add that India’s intent is supported by concrete action. Powered by spirited public efforts, the country is on track to exceed its commitments and targets from Paris.

“We are committed to reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 33 to 35 percent from 2005 levels. You would be happy to know that a drop of 24 percent in the emission intensity has already been achieved,” he said.

He then highlighted that there was a commitment to achieving about 40 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based resources. And that the share of non-fossil sources in the installed capacity of electricity today has grown to 38 percent. This includes nuclear and large hydro projects. 

“I am delighted to share that we are making steady progress on our commitment to Land Degradation Neutrality. Renewable energy is picking speed in India. We are well on track to setting up 450 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy generating capacity by 2030. Here, I would like to applaud our private sector and several individuals who are contributing to this,” he said.

He further went on to add that sustainable development is incomplete without equitable access. In this direction too, India has made good progress. In March 2019, India achieved nearly a hundred percent electrification. This was done through sustainable technologies and innovative models. India invested in LED bulbs long before they became the norm globally. Through the Ujala program, three 67 million LED bulbs became a part of people’s lives. This reduced over 38 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year. 

Through the PM Ujjwala Yojna, more than 80 million households below the poverty line have access to clean cooking fuel. We are working to increase the share of natural gas in India’s energy basket from 6 percent to 15 percent. An estimated investment of 60 billion dollars is lined up in developing domestic gas infrastructure. Work is underway to expand city gas distribution networks. Another 100 districts would be added to the network in the next three years. Through the PM- KUSUM scheme, over 30 GW of solar capacity will be developed in the agriculture sector by 2022. 

“When every individual thinks of national good, when every nation thinks of global good, that is when sustainable development will become a reality. India has made an effort in this direction through the International Solar Alliance. Let us always keep our minds and nations open to best practices from all over. In the same spirit, let us always share our own best practices with others,” PM Modi said. Adding that “the second is innovation. There are many start-ups working on renewable energy, environment-friendly technology and more. As policymakers, we should support as many of these efforts. The energy of our youth will certainly lead to outstanding results.”