One World One Sun One Grid, India’s Message at COP 24

Environment Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan addressing at the inauguration of the Indian Pavilion at COP 24, at Katowice, Poland on 3 December, 2018. The Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) meet every year in a pre-defined host country to urge each other for combating climate change.

Below is the full text of the speech delivered by the Environment Minister at COP 24.

“Dear Friends! I welcome you all to COP 24 in the wonderful city of Katowice, Poland. I believe that we are at a  critical juncture in our ongoing battle to save our planet from the threats of global warming and let me assure you   that India is truly committed to winning this battle.  I feel proud in affirming that India has made great strides in its  journey towards climate change adaptation and mitigation.

This pavilion reflects our ambitious and bold actions on climate change. We will be organizing more than 20 sessions, covering issues important for climate change adaptation and mitigation. This year the theme of India  Pavilion is One World One Sun One  Grid as highlighted by our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during first assembly of the International Solar Alliance on October 2018. The Hon’ble Prime Minister has set an ambitious   target that 40 per cent of its installed power capacity will be from non-fossil fuels by 2030.

Under the visionary leadership  of  Prime  Minister,  we have launched many policies and set up institutional mechanisms to advance our climate actions. These initiatives are a reflection of our  commitment  towards  addressing  climate change concern including energy  security,  food  and  water  security, capacity enhancement at national and state level.

I have launched a nationwide campaign in preserving and protecting the environment called the Green Good Deeds Movement.  We realized that people’s  participation is crucial to accomplish our goal  and so this campaign was  prepared  to inspire, encourage and involve each and every individual of our society. The attempt is to ensure that  each and every citizen must adopt measures to protect the environment by doing small but significant green good deed such as save energy, save water,  car-pool  to  work,  use  dustbins  for disposal of waste, segregate waste, plant trees, and so on and so forth. I expect that  this  movement  –  Green  Good  Deeds  –  will  soon involve  people  not  only,  in  India  but  across  the  globe.  I am receiving   positive   feedback   from   all   stakeholders   for   further strengthening this movement.

India is working hard for achieving 175 GW target for  installed Renewable Energy capacity by 2022. The effect of increased use of  renewable energy  is  now  visible in India.  Resultantly,  India stands 4th  in wind power 5th  in renewable power and 5th  in solar power  installed. Besides  solar  and  wind  power,  we are also working on   biomass, biofuel and bio-energy.  Our aim will always be to leap ahead into the future of energy solutions that make this world a cleaner and greener place.

In the last few years India has taken a number of other initiatives.  Till date more than 310 million LEDs have been installed countrywide. Around 58 million households are already covered under Ujjwala scheme. Ujjwala scheme will not only contribute to improved health of women and children, but also  help  on  reducing  forest  degradation.  Just  in  last  2  years India achieved 1% increase in its forest cover whereas in many countries  across  the globe,   it is depleting. More than 0.26 million Electric  Vehicles  have been sold,  with  more  than  91 million  CO2  Reduction  (in  kg).  Apart  from  this,  we  have  also pledged   to   get   rid   of   single-use plastic by  2022 across the country.

India’s  leadership  in  global  climate  action  has  been  recognised and   Hon’ble   Prime   Minister   Shri   Narendra   Modi   has   been bestowed  with  “Champion  of  Earth  Award”  this  year  by  the United  Nations  for  his  stewardship  in  promoting  International Solar Alliance and resolve to make India plastic free by 2022.

I believe it is crucial that we find ways to combat climate change not  just  through  modern  technologies  but  with  the  wisdom  of our collective cultural tradition. We are all aware that our Prime Minister  Shri  Narendra  Modi  has  been  providing  international leadership for the Climate Change and Global Warming issues. He has reminded the whole world of the need for environmental protection and adopting the climate resilient lifestyles. We also believe that  contribution  of  citizens,  sustainable  lifestyles  and climate   justice    provides    an    alternative    means  to  address climate change which must be rigorously pursued.

I would like to conclude by saying that India stands committed to fighting climate change.  Guided by our Indian culture and ethos,  we are dedicated to   climate action that will ensure Climate justice for all.

Jai Hind.”

DG Correspondent

DG Correspondents are staff and members comprising writers, researchers and contributors of the Delhi Greens Blog team. Support Delhi Greens by sponsoring a post with your donation. Click here to Donate to Delhi Greens. Remember, it is in giving, that we receive.

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