World Sustainable Development Summit 2018

Theme of the Summit: ‘Partnerships for a Resilient Planet – Attaining Energy, Water, Food Security for All’

India and Sustainability

Trusteeship philosophy of India

There exists a tradition of harmonious co-existence between man and nature in India. Respect for nature is an integral part of our value system. Our goal is to be able to live up to our ancient texts which says, “Keep pure For the Earth is our Mother and we are her children”. We believe that all resources and all wealth belong to Nature and the Almighty and are just the trustees or managers of this wealth.

Journey towards a Sustainable Future

• As part of the Nationally Determined Contributions, India committed to reducing 33 to 35 percent of emission intensity of its GDP during 2005 to 2030.
• Goal of creating a carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030 – According to the UNEP Gap Report, India is on track to meet its Copenhagen Pledge of reducing the emissions intensity of its GDP by 20 to 25 percent over 2005 levels by 2020.

India’s Philosophy of ‘Convenient Action’

• • While the world was discussing’ Inconvenient Truth’, India translated it into ‘Convenient Action’ through her different initiatives and policies. India believes in growth but is also committed to protecting the environment.

• The UN Sustainable Development Goals put us on the path of equality, equity and climate justice. Every country should fulfil their commitments based on Common but Differentiated Responsibility and equity.

• India is focused on Ease of living –through Good Governance, Sustainable Livelihood and through Cleaner Environment.

India’s Development needs – Need to be fulfilled but in a cleaner and greener way

• India is one sixth of the global community, and our development needs are enormous. Our poverty or prosperity will have direct impact on the global poverty or prosperity. The fact that people in India have waited too long for access to modern amenities and means of development, needs no more reiterations.
• As the world’s fastest growing major economy, India’s energy needs are immense.
  • Plans to draw One 175 Giga-Watts of energy from renewable sources by 2022 – this includes 100 Giga-Watts from Solar Energy and another 75Giga-Watts from Wind and other sources.
  • Added more than 14 Giga-Watts to solar energy generation which was just about three Giga-Watts three years back.
  • Currently, we are already the fifth largest producer of solar energy in the world and the sixth largest producer of renewable energy.
• With growing urbanization, as our transportation needs are growing, we are focusing on mass transportation systems especially metro rail systems. Even for cargo movement to long distances, national water-way systems are established. Each of our states is preparing an action plan against climate change.

The ‘Collaboration’ Approach – The Key

Key players between which collaboration should take place –

• Between governments
• Between industries
• Between people

This collaboration needs to play out for the following actions –

• Policy correction to modify our growth pattern
• Instruments for sustainability needs to a mixture of technology, taxation, PPP, and budgetary considerations (Sizable change in the budget allocated for cities)
• Need to develop a right set of ecosystem for small mid-sized industry to be able to adopt green norms and adhere to environmental regulations
• Making shifts and habits that complement the objective of preserving environment
• Mechanism for Central to push certain policies in a federal state

Role of the developed world – For a successful climate action to be put in place, collaboration with the developed world is one of the most important aspect we look forward to. Incentives and innovations to make development truly sustainable is the urgent need of the hour.

• Access to financial resources: For effective implementation of policies, and to take efforts in bringing about a behavioural change as well.
• Ease of access to technology: Technology can help countries like India develop sustainably and enable the poor to benefit from it.

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