Magazine

Last edition
november-december 2024

Home › Energy efficiency ›Indian Union Minister RK Singh Advocates Global Emissions Cut

Indian Union Minister RK Singh Advocates Global Emissions Cut

Addressing concerns about India's emissions, Singh clarified that India's per capita emissions are only 2.19 tons per year, one-third of the global average.

December 01, 2023. By Abha Rustagi

The Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy, R.K. Singh, addressed the Indo-Japan Conclave 2023 in New Delhi, emphasizing the imperative need for developed countries to take the lead in cutting down emissions.

Singh asserted that the dialogue at COP28 should focus on reducing global emissions, placing the responsibility on developed nations due to their significant historical contribution. He highlighted, "Developed countries are emitting at a faster pace rather than other countries. 80 percent of the total legacy carbon dioxide load is contributed by developed countries, whose population is one-third of the global population."

The Minister emphasized the need for a shift in discussion towards emissions reduction rather than a focus on fuel choices. He stated, "The whole battle the world is waging is on reducing emissions. It is high time the world unitedly attacked this central problem - from where the emissions come."

Addressing concerns about India's emissions, Singh clarified that India's per capita emissions are only 2.19 tons per year, one-third of the global average, while developed countries exhibit emissions that are 2-3 times higher than the global average. He stressed, "It is for developed countries to cut down emissions first. That is what the discussion on COP should be about. This is the voice of the global south."

The Minister also criticized discussions on coal as a diversion from the central issue of emissions reduction by some developed countries. He urged a collective effort to limit the global rise in temperature, pointing out that India has already achieved its commitments made at COP, setting an example as the fastest country in energy transition.

Singh expressed India's commitment to renewable energy and highlighted the country's achievements in meeting and surpassing targets. He mentioned India's growing investment in renewables as a great opportunity for Japanese companies to compete and collaborate.

The conclave, themed 'India-Japan@2030,' witnessed the participation of senior leaders from both nations, exploring avenues for cooperation in manufacturing, financial technology, green hydrogen, and geopolitics. Singh invited the Japanese industry to invest in India, emphasizing the shared strategic interests and the potential for increased Japanese investments.

Tags:

Energy efficiency

Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy