As he heads to the COP26 climate talks in Glasgow this weekend, environment minister Bhupender Yadav tells Anubhuti Vishnoi in an interview that India will be 'part of the solution' to Net Zero, push for 'green contribution' and will seek fulfilment of commitments made by developed nations. Excerpts:
Environment minister Bhupender Yadav
On India's agenda for COP26
India will raise the issue of inadequacy of climate finance by developed nations, the need to enhance climate ambitions, discuss adaptation, loss and damages framework and emphasise the need for access to affordable, green technology.
We also feel that we can't get any benefit for carbon credit system until we focus on 'green contribution'. Proper definition of climate finance is required.
We are very clear that the issue cannot be solved only based on declarations, action is necessary- own action, collective action and full determination.
Consensus is needed, and we hope to contribute to a solution.
On climate justice
There is no planet B. If you have collectively concluded that there is a threat to the world which needs to be addressed urgently, there is also the need to provide support and opportunity for betterment of world.
That was the commitment made by the developed countries earlier also. So, they can't deny their historical responsibility, their duty and their own commitment.
The very meaning of 'climate justice' is to create an atmosphere and support steps to achieve climate goals.
India on Net Zero target
India would like to contribute to the world with a positive message. We are going to be part of the solution.
It is important to take a constructive approach towards finding solutions. India is achieving its goals on time.
On Net Zero, the recent declaration by the Like-minded Developing Countries (LMDC) also raised important concerns. The UN secretary general has also made several observations on issues related to climate finance. Discussions have also been held at multiple fora before the COP26 and all these must be considered and deliberated upon constructively.
On higher nationally determined contribution and the 450 GW target
The biggest challenge is following through on declarations. There must be action. We are close to achieving NDC targets. We are committed to reaching the 450 GW target. We hope others will also act.
More expectation from a 'big emitter' like India
Our per capita emission is the lowest, probably a fraction of the top emitters. Yet, we have taken major steps on renewable energy, desertification, brought in policies for electric vehicles and a scrap policy. We call on all nations to adopt the low capita emission lifestyle followed in India.
We have also played a constructive role in collaborating globally for the International Solar Alliance, on disaster resilience and on technology backed innovation. India wants to be part of the solution.
On climate finance
The commitment of $100b a year must be fulfilled. Many developing nations, in fact, feel that what was committed in 2009 is inadequate and there should be an increase. India's climate goals have so far been achieved through its own budgetary support.
On 'decarbonisation' targets
Several developed nations still depend on coal-fired power plants. As far as India is concerned, we have a clear position- we are already been working towards renewable energy. We have set and achieved ambitious targets and we will set even more ambitious targets and this points clearly to our intent, our policy and the vision of the PM.
On August 15, the PM also announced the National Hydrogen mission on the energy side.
On the 'Methane pledge'
When we are talking of climate action we should not look at 'solo' issues. It should be looked at holistically and as collective effort towards mitigation. Even at the Paris agreement, differentiated responsibility - allowing for country specific targets according to national circumstances was agreed upon.
On fuel subsidy
India has already reduced diesel and petrol subsidy and a kind of green carbon tax is also there, so we are doing our best. We will continue to take steps according to national requirements, but we will do so with consistent policies, environment friendly technology and new innovations.
Source:https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/india-will-be-part-of-the-solution-be-it-net-zero-emissions-or-other-issues-environment-minister-bhupender-yadav-on-cop26-climate-talks/articleshow/87344942.cms