PM @ Global Climate Action Summit

In News

PM had attended the Global Climate Action Summit 2019 being held at New York and has committed India to act on climate change with a slew of announcements.

In-detail

At at the Summit, Prime Minister had stated that India is for taking action against climate change .
He had increased India’s renewable energy capacity target to 450 GW from the current 175 GW.
Under the Paris Climate Agreement, India committed itself to have an installed renewable capacity of 175 GW.
Also at the Summit, PM had stated that his government will spend $50 billion as part of Jal Jeevan Mission to conserve water, develop water resources and harvest rainwater.
He showed to the world how India is tackling climate change by taking steps like blending biofuel in petrol and diesel to reduce emissions. Also, making a shift in the transport sector by adopting electric vehicles fast.
He also highlighted moves like banning single-use plastic, International Solar Alliance, and providing cooking gas to 160 million families as India’s action on climate change.

Two New Initiatives

Prime Minister had unveiled two new initiatives at the Summit.

A platform for governments and private sector to work together to develop low carbon pathways. This is in collaboration with Sweden and other countries.
A Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. The initiative was launched by India in August 2019. As part of the initiative, developed and developing countries will partner to build climate and disaster resilient infrastructure. A sum of Rs. 480 crore has already been allocated for the initiative for technical assistance and projects. Australia, UK, Fiji and Maldives are partner members.

Jal Jeevan Mission

The Jal Jeevan Mission was introduced by the Prime Minister on August 15, 2019.
Aiming to provide safe drinking water and conserve water, the government is looking to spend Rs. 3.5 trillion under the scheme.
Construction of rainwater harvesting systems, renovation of water bodies and tanks, structures for reuse and recharge of water, watershed development and afforestation are part of the scheme.
The focus is on 256 districts across the country.

Conclusion

India has always been at the forefront of fighting climate change. It has assumed leadership positions in many climate forums. The actions it has taken are laudable but still the country needs to do a lot to reduce its emissions. The country is world’s fourth largest emitter of greenhouse gases.