Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Oct 16 : Union Minister for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh has called for collective effort to meet the climate challenge saying the issue is too serious to be left to the Government alone.
The Minister said that there is an urgent need for decisive action to combat climate change, a challenge that is no longer a distant threat but an immediate reality affecting lives, economies, and the future of the planet. He was addressing the “Times Now” Global Sustainability Alliance’s 6th edition of the SDG Summit 2024 in New Delhi today. The theme for the address was Game Changing India’s Science Based Targets for Climate Change.
Recognizing India’s responsibility as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, Dr. Singh reaffirmed the country’s commitment to balancing sustainable development with global climate change mitigation efforts. He highlighted the importance of science-based targets, which, in alignment with the goals of the Paris Agreement, aim to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, with aspirations to restrict it to 1.5 degrees.
Dr. Jitendra Singh outlined India’s key climate targets, which include reduction of 33-35% in greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 2030, using 2005 levels as a baseline; commitment to increasing non-fossil fuel energy capacity to 500 GW, an ambitious goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
The Minister of State underscored the importance of collaboration in achieving these targets, urging stronger partnerships between Government, industry, academia and civil society. He highlighted that innovation will be central to India’s strategy, whether through advancements in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, or green technologies. The Government is committed to supporting research and development to drive these innovations under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
Dr. Singh pointed to the robust policy framework established by the Government of India to guide climate action, with the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) playing a pivotal role.
Dr Singh urged every citizen to actively participate in the fight against climate change, emphasizing that simple changes in daily life can have a significant impact. He stressed the importance of fostering a culture of sustainability and urged all stakeholders to collaborate towards a resilient and sustainable future.
He congratulated the organisers and wished success to the event.