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At a time when efforts to curb climate change across the world are proving inadequate, India has made a big and bold demand, mirroring the developed and rich countries. India has said that now only achieving the target of ‘net-zero’ emissions will not suffice, but the rich countries should consider it as their historical responsibility. ‘Net-negative’ emissions (Net-Negative Emissions) target will have to be set.
In a meeting held ahead of the important COP30 climate conference in Brazil, India’s Ambassador to Brazil Dinesh Bhatia reminded the world’s big and rich countries of their responsibilities. He clearly said that the global fight against climate change is weakening because developed countries are not contributing their share.
“You usurped the carbon budget, now take responsibility”
Ambassador Bhatia said bluntly, “On the one hand, developing countries are taking decisive steps to curb climate change, while on the other hand, developed countries, which have disproportionately grabbed the global carbon budget, must now rapidly cut their emissions.”
“Given the pace at which carbon budgets are being exhausted, rich countries will have to reach ‘net-zero’ much earlier than their stated timeline and make substantial investments to become ‘net-negative’,” he demanded.
What is this ‘net-zero’ and ‘net-negative’?
Let us understand this in simple language:
- Net-Zero: This is a situation when a country absorbs the same amount of greenhouse gas as it releases into the air. This absorption work can be done by planting forests or through new technology (carbon capture). That is, the accounts are equal.
- Net-Negative: This is a step forward from net-zero. In this, the amount of gas a country releases much more Works to absorb gas. That means, starting to clean up the old mess as well.
As of now the world aims to become net-zero by 2050. China has set a target of 2060 and India has set a target of 2070. But no country has yet talked about becoming ‘net-negative’. This demand of India is a big attempt to create moral and practical pressure on rich countries.
India enumerated its achievements
India did not just make this demand on empty grounds, but also presented a report card of its achievements:
- Work before goal: Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has achieved many of its climate targets ahead of schedule. Our emissions intensity has decreased by 36% compared to 2005.
- Ahead in green energy: More than 50% of our total electricity generation capacity now comes from non-fossil energy (such as solar and wind energy).
- Expanded forest cover: India has not only saved its forests but also expanded them. 25.17% of the country is now covered with forests and trees.
- Third in the world: India is now the world’s third largest renewable energy producer with about 200 GW of renewable energy.
The Indian Ambassador made it clear that India is ready to work with every country in the fight against climate change, but this fight must be fair and equitable, in which rich countries cannot shirk their historical responsibility.
