India will not be bound by curbs on energy use
Context
While India is committed to growing renewable energy, it will not be limited by “restrictions” on the types of energy sources it can or cannot employ, according to Leena Nandan, Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forests.
What is the Declaration on Climate and Health all about?
- The World Health Organization (WHO) and the COP28 Presidency announced the COP28 UAE Declaration on Climate and Health. Over 120 countries signed on to the proclamation.
- The declaration emphasizes climate action and public health. It consists of the following action areas:
- Climate-resilient health care systems
- Collaboration across multiple sectors
- Climate and health solutions financing
- Fighting inequities
- The declaration also acknowledges the advantages of lowering greenhouse gas emissions. These advantages include:
- Reduced air pollution
- Active mobility
- Environmentally friendly diets
- The declaration urges international financial institutions to support projects and programs headed by countries.
What is India’s Viewpoint in energy commitment?
- India is committed to increasing the use of renewable energy sources.
- It claims, however, that it will not be constrained by restrictions on the types of energy sources it can employ.
- At COP-28, India did not join a promise with 118 other nations to triple installed renewable energy capacity by 2030.
- This omission is remarkable in light of India’s previous support for tripling energy capacity, as stated in the G-20 declaration in September.
Declaration on Climate and Health:
- India has not signed the “Declaration on Climate and Health,” which has been endorsed by 123 countries.
- India has doubts about the declaration, which prioritizes preparing healthcare systems for climate-related health risks.
Development and Coal Power:
- To significantly raise living conditions, India relies on coal power, its primary energy source.
- It supports the use of coal by highlighting historically insignificant contributions to the carbon crisis, with per-capita emissions below the global average.
Opposition to Emission Restrictions:
- India opposes recommendations that relate important services, such as vaccine cold storage, to specific emission reductions, underlining the importance of balance.
Emissions of Greenhouse Gases:
- According to India’s most recent declaration to the United Nations, greenhouse gas emissions increased by 4% between 2016 and 2019.
- The primary source of anthropogenic emissions is the energy sector, followed by agriculture, industrial activities, and waste.
COP-28 Negotiation Position:
- India intends to be “constructive” in the COP-28 meetings, highlighting its commitment to development without jeopardizing energy access for underprivileged groups.
Concerns Regarding Energy Access:
- India is concerned that certain ideas made during the negotiations may have an impact on its ability to provide electricity access to vulnerable groups.
Conclusion
In conclusion, India’s position demonstrates a delicate balancing between its commitment to renewable energy, worries about health-related claims, and the need for coal power for development and key services. The country emphasizes the significance of a multifaceted strategy to address both climate goals and developmental requirements.
