In his recent address, Prime Minister Modi emphasized a crucial fact - despite being home to 17% of the global population, India contributes only 4% of the world's carbon emissions. This statement underscores India's responsible growth approach and commitment to transitioning to green energy sources.
India's energy consumption has nearly doubled between 2000 and 2015, yet its per capita energy demand remains low, around one-third of the world average, and much below the levels exhibited by the United States and the European Union. This disparity highlights India's sustainable approach to development, where it has prioritized the well-being of its people while maintaining a relatively small carbon footprint.
In this piece, I defend Prime Minister’s assertion that India could have opted for non-renewable energy sources to propel its economic growth. As a responsible nation, India has chosen to embrace renewable energy to power its future. India has set ambitious targets for renewable energy, aiming to achieve 175 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity soon. This commitment to clean energy is a testament to India's dedication to environmental stewardship and recognition of the pressing need to address global climate change.
India's renewable energy sector has witnessed significant growth in recent years. The country's renewable energy capacity has more than doubled since 2014, reaching over 100 gigawatts in 2021. This growth has been driven by the government's proactive policies and initiatives, such as the Integrated Power Development Scheme, the Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme, the Saubhagya Scheme, and the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana.
Further, India has diversified its renewable energy mix, focusing on solar, wind, and hydropower. The country's solar energy capacity has increased exponentially, from just 2.6 gigawatts in 2014 to over 47 gigawatts in 2021. This remarkable growth in solar power has contributed to India's overall renewable energy targets. However, it has also helped to improve energy access in rural areas, where 44% of households now have access to reliable and efficient electricity.
The transition to renewable energy has environmental benefits and noteworthy economic implications for India. The renewable energy sector in India has created numerous job opportunities, with over 100,000 people employed in the solar industry alone. The adoption of renewable energy has helped reduce India's reliance on fossil fuels, mitigating the country's vulnerability to fluctuations in global oil and gas prices.
Prime Minister's statement about India's responsible approach to development is further reinforced by the country's commitment to the Paris Agreement and its Nationally Determined Contributions. India has pledged to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33-35% below 2005 levels by 2030 and to achieve 40% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by the same year.
Emerging nations are paying for the historical wrongs of the West. India, although not primarily responsible for the current state of global warming, is responsible for addressing the challenge. This resolute stance reflects India's leadership in the global fight against climate change and its determination to ensure a sustainable future for its people and the planet.
In summary, Prime Minister Modi's remarks on India's low carbon emissions and responsible transition to green energy are justifiable with logic and facts. India's commitment to renewable energy, ambitious targets, and active participation in international climate change agreements and climate financing demonstrate its sincere efforts to contribute to global environmental solutions.
The writer Kishore holds a PGDM from XISS and a doctorate in Strategic CSR from Santiniketan. He works as a Manager at HPPI, New Delhi and is pursuing the HP Impact – ESG Certified Professional Program from IICA (Views are personal).
