India Leads G20 in Achieving Climate Goals Ahead of Schedule

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted India’s significant role in the global fight against climate change, particularly emphasizing that it is the only G20 nation to have achieved its climate goals ahead of schedule. These goals were set during the 2015 Paris Climate Change Conference, which saw global commitments toward limiting global warming and reducing carbon emissions.

The Paris Agreement, mentioned by Modi, is an internationally binding treaty adopted by 196 countries and organizations to tackle climate change. As of December last year, India announced it had successfully met its initial two Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), a significant achievement.

These included reducing the emissions intensity of India’s GDP by 33 to 35 percent by 2030 (compared to 2005 levels) and ensuring that 40 percent of its cumulative electric power installed capacity came from non-fossil fuel energy sources by 2030.

By 2022, India further updated its climate commitments, enhancing its goals. The target to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP was increased to 45 percent by 2030. Additionally, the country aimed to raise its cumulative electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources to 50 percent by 2030, reflecting India’s continued commitment to stronger climate action.

These achievements reflect India’s proactive stance in mitigating climate change, bolstering its position on the global stage. Prime Minister Modi’s remarks during India’s Independence Day celebrations underscored the nation’s determination to lead by example in the global effort to curb greenhouse gas emissions and transition to cleaner energy sources.