India on Track to Achieve Paris Agreement Targets Well Before 2030: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that various indicators of positive behavioural changes made us believe that India is well on track to achieve its Paris Agreement targets well before the target date of 2030.

After receiving the CERAWeek Global Energy and Environment Leadership Award, PM Modi said “I dedicate this award to the glorious tradition of our land that has shown the way when it comes to caring for the environment.”

The Prime Minister said share of non-fossil sources in India’s installed capacity of electricity has grown to 38 percent, adoption of Bharat - 6 emission norms since April 2020 which is equal to Euro - 6 fuel.

He added that, India is working to increase the share of natural gas from the current 6 per cent to 15 per cent by 2030. LNG is being promoted as a fuel. 

Narendra Modi also mentioned that recently launched National Hydrogen Mission and PM KUSUM which promotes an equitable and decentralized model of solar energy generation. But the most powerful way to fight climate change is behavioural change. He gave a call to fix ourselves so the world will be a better place. He said this spirit of behaviour change is a key part of our traditional habits, which teach us consumption with compassion. 

He announced that in India, the Government is working on metro networks in 27 towns and cities for eco-friendly mobility.

The Prime Minister said for large-scale behaviour change, we need to offer solutions that are innovative, affordable and powered by public participation. He cited examples like people embracing LED bulbs, Give It Up Movement, increased LPG coverage, affordable transportation initiatives.

PM Modi expressed happiness about the growing acceptance of ethanol across India. Based on people's response, we have decided to advance the target of 20% blending of ethanol in petrol by 2025, from the earlier 2030.

India's vision for environmental transitions includes working with like-minded countries. The initial success of the International Solar Alliance has demonstrated how serious India is when it comes to making efforts for a better planet. We will keep making such efforts in the future, he added.

Modi concluded “now is the time to think logically and ecologically. After all this is not about me or you. It is about our planet's future. We owe this to our coming generations.”