Making big announcements at the Glasgow COP26 climate conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India will reach a net zero emissions target by 2070. The announcement was part of the panchamrit (five elixirs) panacea for climate change from the prime minister. "At this global brainstorming on climate change, I would like to present 5 amrit tatva from India. I gift this panchamrit. By 2070, India will achieve the target of net zero," the prime minister had said.
What PM Modi promised the world at Glasgow
India will increase its non-fossil energy capacity to 500 giga watt by 2030; India will fulfil 50 per cent of its energy requirements from renewable energy sources by 2030. Between now and 2030, India will reduce its total projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes. "By 2030, India will reduce the carbon intensity of its economy by 45 per cent," said PM Modi.
What is net zero emissions target?
It is an ideal in which the amount of carbon dioxide (the biggest greenhouse gas, a gas that heats the earth's atmosphere) captured from the atmosphere, is equal to the greenhouse emissions being made. Hypothetically, then the net emissions will be zero, and global temperatures will not rise.
However, it is a contentious plan. The expectation that every country will meet the same deadline is extremely unfair, given the differential development trajectories that various countries have taken. Some have polluted heavily for 150 years, some have only now reached a stage of energy consumption that caused any kind of measurable emission. The demand, therefore, from these poorer nations is for more carbon space or a realistic share in the remaining carbon budget.
Experts speak
Ajay Mathur, Director General, International Solar Alliance (ISA), said that reducing one billion tonnes of emissions by 2030 and expanding non-fossils capacity to 500 GW are enormous and transformative steps. "PM Modi cut through the rhetoric and delivered a big promise of climate action from India. Reducing 1 billion tonnes of emissions by 2030 and expanding non-fossils capacity to 500 GW are enormous and transformative steps."
"Fifty per cent of electricity generation from renewable energy sources speaks of India's leadership and commitment to climate action. The Prime Minister has made bold announcements and led India from the front at the onset of the Glasgow meeting," he said.
Chandra Bhushan, CEO, iForest, said these steps will go a long way in solving the climate crisis. "India's announcement of an ambitious 2030 target and a Net zero target is a big step for climate collaboration. I congratulate the PM for announcing this bold step which will go a long way in greening the Indian economy and solving the climate crisis," he said.
-Inputs from Rekha Dixit, agencies
