International cooperation key to achieving India’s net zero emissions target by 2070: Jitendra Singh
2 min read 25 May 2023, 08:36 PM ISTThe minister highlighted the collective responsibility of nations and organizations in addressing the challenges posed by climate change
PremiumNew Delhi: Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Thursday emphasized the crucial role of international cooperation in achieving India’s net-zero emissions target by 2070, as set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
During the Website and Logo launch event of the Joint 8th Mission Innovation Ministerial (MI-8) and 14th Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM-14), the minister highlighted the collective responsibility of nations and organizations in addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
“We all have a collective responsibility to work together for a more secure and sustainable future. The ever-growing challenges of climate change are beyond the control of one country, organization, company, or any individual effort," said Singh. The website and logo launch event was jointly conducted by Jitendra Singh and Union Power & NRE minister R. K. Singh.
India is set to host the MI-8 alongside CEM-14 from July 19 to 21, 2023, in conjunction with the G20 Energy Transition (ET) Ministerial meeting in Goa. The MI-8 Ministerial will see the participation of ministers and heads of delegations from MI Member Countries, the European Union, and international organizations, as well as high-level invitees representing key stakeholders from industry, research, academia, citizen organizations, and innovators from around the world. The focus of this year’s Ministerial is “Advancing the Continuum of R&D towards Pilot Demonstration on Clean Energy Technologies."
Jitendra Singh emphasized the significance of hosting the MI Ministerial meeting during India’s 75th year of Independence, stating that it would play a pivotal role in translating India’s ambitious clean energy commitments into action while ensuring energy security and accessibility.
“The Mission Innovation initiative aligns with our Hon’ble PM’s vision of national aspiration on India’s climate action called Panchamrit, outlined during COP26," he added.
Under the Panchamrit action plan, India aims to achieve a non-fossil fuel energy capacity of 500 GW by 2030, meet at least half of its energy requirements through renewable energy by 2030, reduce CO2 emissions by 1 billion tons by 2030, reduce carbon intensity below 45 percent by 2030, and ultimately achieve a net-zero emissions target by 2070.
The term “Mission Innovation" was coined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Mission Innovation (MI) is a global initiative comprising 23 countries and the European Commission, aimed at accelerating the clean energy revolution and progress towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and pathways to net zero. India was one of the founding members of Mission Innovation.
The main objective of MI is to stimulate a decade of action and investment in research, development, and demonstration to make clean energy affordable, attractive, and accessible for all.
The first phase of Mission Innovation (MI) (2015-2020) was announced during COP21 on November 30, 2015, when world leaders gathered in Paris to commit ambitious efforts to combat climate change. All member countries are working diligently to double government funding for clean energy research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) over a five-year period, while enhancing international and private sector engagement, cooperation, and investments in clean energy RD&D programs.
