New Delhi, Apr 22 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi took another step forward in India's global climate diplomacy on Earth Day Thursday, announcing that India is launching a clean energy initiative in partnership with the United States to help developing countries access clean technology and green finance.
Speaking at the Leaders’ Summit on Climate called by President Joe Biden and attended by 40 world leaders, including Xi Jinping of China, Modi announced the “India-US climate and clean energy Agenda 2030 partnership ”
He stressed the need for concerted action and finding better solutions to restore the planet.
"We need such action at a high speed, on a large scale, and with a global scope,” he said.
The prime minister also said India as a climate-responsible developing country, welcomes partners to create templates of sustainable development in India.
And these can also help other developing countries, who need affordable access to green finance and clean technologies.
“That is why, President Biden and I are launching the India-US climate and clean energy Agenda 2030 partnership.
Together, we will help mobilise investments, demonstrate clean technologies, and enable green collaborations," he said.
The prime minister also brought to the world's notice India’s “sustainable traditional practices”, saying the country’s per capita carbon footprint is 60 per cent lower than the global average.
"Our ambitious renewable energy target of 450 Gigawatts by 2030 shows our commitment. Despite our development challenges, we have taken many bold steps on clean energy, energy efficiency, afforestation and bio-diversity,” he said.
Modi also emphasised the importance of lifestyle change in climate action, saying "sustainable lifestyles and a guiding philosophy of 'Back to Basics' must be an important pillar of the economic strategy for the post-Covid era.
UNI SRJ GNK