rediff.com

India Defends Coal Use at COP28: Bhupender Yadav

Share on:

By Rediff Money Desk, NEWDELHI   Jan 08, 2024 21:25

India defended its coal use at COP28, arguing for the interests of developing nations. Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav highlighted India's commitment to green growth and climate finance.
India Defends Coal Use at COP28: Bhupender Yadav
New Delhi, Jan 8 (PTI) India fought for the interests of the Global South when developed countries tried imposing restrictions on coal during the UN climate talks in Dubai in December, Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said on Monday.

Speaking at the launch of a book titled 'Modi: Energising a Green Future' here, the minister said rich nations, historically responsible for climate change, should not try to hinder the development of the Global South.

"When they said countries will have to apply for permission for coal (expansion), India fought for the interests of the Global South," Yadav said.

India also argued that fossil fuel subsidies cannot be stopped if linked to poverty eradication in smaller countries, the minister revealed.

A draft deal text in Dubai featured stringent language, albeit optional, regarding coal, to the detriment of heavily coal-dependent countries like India and China.

"Rapidly phasing down unabated coal and imposing limitations on new and unabated coal power generation," it read.

The final text lacked this reference, suggesting a strong pushback from heavily coal-dependent countries such as India and China.

Yadav emphasised that no nation can develop without energy access and that India focuses on meeting its energy needs and achieving green growth simultaneously.

Responding to questions at a press conference last month, the minister had said India is committed to meeting the energy needs of its people and will also have to rely on coal power until it achieves developed country status.

He said the country cannot meet the energy needs of its people by just "importing oil and gas".

India relies on coal for about 70 per cent of its power generation.

On Monday, the minister highlighted that in Dubai, countries agreed for the first time to have a clear definition of climate finance.

This, he said, would ensure climate finance is climate-specific, additional, grant-based, and provided under highly concessional terms.

Yadav further said that the West follows an anthropocentric development model, placing human beings at its centre.

"After 200 years, we have realised that we need to develop a deep ecological sense -- a philosophy propagated by countries like India and Japan in the East," the minister said.

Yadav noted that the debate on the environment involves two extremes: those who believe everything has ended and those who think technology will fix everything.

"Under the prime minister, we are fighting a different battle, taking climate-appropriate action," Yadav said, recalling Modi's significant role in the signing of the landmark Paris Agreement in 2015.

Published by Pentagon Press in association with Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation, 'Modi: Energising a Green Future' is a compendium of insights contributed by distinguished decision-makers and eminent experts from India and abroad.

The contributors are Union Environment Minister Yadav, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister Bibek Debroy; and former chairman of the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission R K Pachnanda, among others, a statement said.

The book offers comprehensive analyses of Modi's pioneering efforts in environmental leadership, shedding light on India's ambitious initiatives and contributions towards a sustainable and eco-friendly future, it added.
DISCLAIMER - This article is from a syndicated feed. The original source is responsible for accuracy, views & content ownership. Views expressed may not reflect those of rediff.com India Limited.

TODAY'S MOST TRADED COMPANIES

  • Company Name
  • Price
  • Volume

More »

Moneywiz Live!