Need concrete action at high speed and on large scale to combat climate change, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced the launch of the "India-US climate and clean energy Agenda 2030 partnership” as he attended a virtual conclave convened by American President Joe Biden.

“As a climate-responsible developing country, India welcomes partners to create templates of sustainable development in India. These can also help other developing countries, who need affordable access to green finance and clean technologies,” Modi said as he joined nearly 40 other leaders at a virtual climate summit convened by Biden.

“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,” said Modi.

The Prime Minister called for “concrete action” by the international community to mitigate the impact of climate change. “We need such action at a high speed, on a large scale, and with a global scope.” He also said that India was doing its part despite development challenges. He noted that India’s ambitious renewable energy target of 450 Gigawatts by 2030 showed its commitment.

“Despite our development challenges, we have taken many bold steps on clean energy, energy efficiency, afforestation and biodiversity. That is why we are among the few countries whose NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions) are 2-degree-Celsius compatible.”

He said that the Government of India had also encouraged global initiatives like International Solar Alliance, LeadIT, and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.