India was the global leader in environmental issues, garnering attention all over the world, from pledging to be a net zero carbon emitter by 2070 to achieving 500 megawatts non-fossil power capacity by 2030.
India again pointed out at the UN Climate Meeting that developed countries have not only failed in meeting the USD 100 Billion goal per year of support to developing countries since 2009, but also continue to present this ceiling as their ambition all the ways to 2025.
Modi addressed world leaders at the United Nations COP 26 in Glasgow. He listed five Indian commitments to combat climate change. Modi boldly announced that India will reach net zero emissions by 2070. It will also achieve 500 giga watts non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030. Modi also stated that India will meet half of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2030.
India also launched “One Sun, One World and One Grid” (OSOWOG) at this conference. This initiative aims to harness solar energy wherever it shines, ensuring that electricity flows to the areas most in need.
Towards summit’s close, the country was criticized by many nations for allegedly lowering the global commitment of reducing coal use in the climate pact. This was done by using the term “phase off” instead of “phase in” in the Glasgow pact.
India, however, retorted against the criticism and denied making amendments. It said it had only read the text at COP26 but had not authored it.
India also raised the issue of climate change mitigation at the 16th G20 Summit in Naples. It urged the G20 to reduce per capita emissions to the global average by 2030, in view of the “fast depleting carbon space”.
Bhupender Yadav was the Union Environment Minister and led the Indian delegation to the climate summit in Glasgow. He spoke to PTI and said that India had successfully represented the developing countries and made a strong case for them.
Yadav highlighted and praised the efforts of his ministry in curbing stubble burning, stating that they were more successful this year than 2020.
TS accreditation. 47 sites have been designated as Ramsar protected sites. 10 beaches have received Blue Flag certification. We also established a new commission to address pollution in Delhi. We also brought a new legislation. We have amended the biodiversity laws and started NCAP regional conferences in Mumbai and Guwahati.|TS accreditation, 47 sites have been declared as Ramsar protected sites, 10 beaches have got Blue Flag certification… We have established a new commission for Delhi’s pollution for which we brought a new legislation, we have amended the biodiversity and wildlife laws, regional conferences under NCAP have begun in Mumbai and Guwahati. It will be done all across India.
“Processings of public opinion, consultation on amending Forest Conservation Act are complete. He said that stubble burning has been less successful this year than the previous year.
The government also took several initiatives to combat the threat of toxic air in the capital area and surrounding areas.
India entered into Climate Action and Finance Mobilization Dialogue with the US under India and US Climate Clean Energy Agenda 2030. This dialogue was intended to give both countries the opportunity to renew their collaborations on climate change and to address the financing aspects.
After a bill passed by Parliament, the Commission for Air Quality Management was created. It initially provided for penalties for farmers who cause pollution by burning stubble. This provision was later removed.
To decompose stubble left over from harvest, a bio-decomposer was developed in the city and nearby states.
India launched the campaign “Plastic Hackathon 2021” to eliminate single-use plastics by 2022.
At the beginning of the year, environmental activists expressed dismay at the Supreme Court’s approval of the government’s ambitious Central Vista Project. These activists claimed that the project was dangerous for the environment and a encroachment on public places.
In 2021, several reports made headlines, bringing India’s pollution and climate situation under closer scrutiny.
The Sixth Assessment Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), titled “Climate Change 2021: Physical Science Basis”, warned that the Indian Ocean was warming faster than other oceans. India will also experience increased heat waves and heavy rainfall, which are the irreversible effects climate change.
A Swiss agency prepared the World Air Quality Report. It found that 22 of 30 most polluted cities are located in India. Delhi was ranked 10th and the most polluted capital in the world.
Greenpeace India’s April report revealed that Delhi experienced a 125% increase in nitrogen dioxide-related air pollution in April, compared to the same month last years.
Another report stated that 39 lakh Indians were forced to flee their homes in 2020 by conflict and climate disasters. This makes India the fourth-worst-hit country in the globe.
According to a report by the Centre for Science and Environment, Ozone is increasing in Delhi and the National Capital Region of (NCR) during all seasons.
Soon after the publication, the government approved the Kigali Amendment that would allow India to phase out hydrofluorocarbons.