India to reach net zero emission by 2070, PM Modi says at COP26, outlines Panchamrit

Glasgow/New Delhi: India will reach net zero emission by 2070, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at the COP26 Glasgow summit as he outlined five proposals or Panchamrit to tackle climate change.

In his intervention at the COP26, the Prime Minister also outlined a new mantra for sustainable development – LIFE or Lifestyle For Environment, which he said could become a global movement.

He also said that Climate Finance and Tech Transfer are an imperative to tackle climate change. In a clear message to developed countries, he said that like India has raised its ambition in setting its targets, they also need to raise ambitions in climate finance and tech transfer.

The Panchamrit announced by the PM are:

India will reach Net Zero emission by 2070

By 2030 India’s non-fossil fuel generation will increase by 500 GW, compared to 450 GW announced earlier.

India will fulfil 50% of its energy requirements from renewables by 2030

India will reduce 1 billion tonne of carbon emissions from the total projected emissions by 2030.

India will also reduce carbon intensity by 45% in its economy.

He said India’s contribution in climate change mitigation far outstrips its role in emissions.

PM Modi said that India which has around 17% of the world’s population is responsible for only about 5% of the total emissions, and that India is the only country to fulfil commitments made in Paris.

He also outlined how a new India is fighting climate change-- from the Indian Railways, the world’s largest railway carrier, becoming Net Zero by 2030, to saving 40 billion tonnes of emission through LEDs, India is putting climate change at the centre of its policies.

He proposed a campaign for a sustainable lifestyle - LIFE or Lifestyle for Environment, which he said can become a global mass movement.

“Instead of mindless and destructive consumption, we should move towards mindful and deliberate utilization,” he stressed.

This movement can have sustainable goals in the fields of fishing, agriculture, wellness, dietary, housing, tourism, clothing, fashion wear, water management. “Everyone will have to make conscious choices,” he added. (UNI)