In a recent event, the United Nations Environment Programme chief Erik Solheim has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for his initiatives to tackle the global issue of Climate Change.
He said that PM Modi is a forerunner in tackling climate change. Solheim lauded Prime Minister Modi for his willingness to tackle these challenges. “He is a global leader in tackling climate change. President Xi of China, President Macron of France and Prime Minister Modi have set up the International Solar Alliance,” he said.
Gratified at @ErikSolheim’s statement that @UNEnvironment wants to promote India as global leader on environment & UN is ready to promote its good practices; take it to the world stage & tell people, if it works in India, may be it will work in other places too. @moefcc @PMOIndia pic.twitter.com/EnXOAtXvwb
— Dr. Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) June 4, 2018
Solhiem is in India to be a part of an awareness programme about the menace of plastic usage. He appreciated the contribution of the Indian government in tackling climate change and environmental degradation. India has chosen to take a lead on World Environment Day by playing host to an international awareness campaign organised by the United Nations.
Solheim has also praised India for the efforts it made to reach consensus on Paris Climate change, as they faced a setback when the United States of America pulled out from the accord.
The UN is working closely with the government of India and other non-profit organisations to tackle the issue of environmental pollution. “The Indian government is really adamant to act and there are so many positives such as universities being made plastic free in Hyderabad and banning plastic in Maharashtra. A lot is happening but at the end of the day, the government needs to regulate markets. EU is phasing out plastic straws. The initiative has to come from the ground for the administration to act,” said Solheim.
World Environment Day is on June 5th every year and celebrated in a host country and with a theme. This year it is being hosted in India and the theme is ‘Beat Plastic pollution’. “Remember what PM Modi had said when President Trump pulled out of the Paris Climate Accord, he said that it would be a crime against future generations if we don’t act now. He has made India one of the global champions for resolute action against climate change.”
The present government seems to have understood that the Climate Change as one of the serious challenges faced by humanity. PM Modi has emphasized the need for sustainable development to tackle this menace. The present government has set the path clear by enabling various missions to tackle climate change.
Prime Minister Modi has set ambitious targets to achieve clean energy initiatives. The present government has decided to generate 175GW of clean energy, of which 100GW will come from Solar energy alone. In addition to that, the present government has made global alliances like International Solar Alliance to co-operate on areas where it can benefit for sustainable development. Recently India joined with France to work together in clean energy development.
The Modi led government has also committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions during the Paris Climate Conference. India has always stood for developing the world and has committed to any environmental treaty which is adhered to the principle of ‘Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR)’, which puts the onus on developed countries for taking greater responsibilities in tackling the problem. In its Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC), India has promised to cut down emissions by 33 to 35 percent below 2025 levels by the year 2030 and also to generate 40 percent of its energy in 2030 from renewable sources. In addition to that, there will mission to increase forest cover in the country that will absorb more than 3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide present in the atmosphere.
Prime Minister Modi said, “Together, let us ensure that our future generations live in a clean and green planet, in harmony with nature.” An exhibition has also been put up on the occasion at the Rajpath lawns in New Delhi.
