By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, FEB 11, 2021: PRIME Minister Mr Narendra Modi on Wednesday said climate justice means giving developing countries enough space to grow at the World Sustainable Development Summit 2021.

Addressing the event organised by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), the Prime Minister said two inter-linked things will define how humanity will develop in the coming years - "health of our people and health of our planet ."

Talking about the scale of the problem to combat climate change, he emphasised that conventional approaches were not enough.

"The road to fighting climate change is through climate justice. At the route of climate justice is the principle of being large-hearted. Climate justice is also about thinking of the bigger and long-term picture," he said.

Touching upon the developmental challenges faced by growing economies, the Prime Minister said climate justice is inspired by a vision of trusteeship where growth comes with greater compassion for the poorest.

"Climate justice also means giving the developing countries enough space to grow. When each and every one of us understands our individual and collective duties, climate justice will be achieved," he added.

Highlighting India's intent, Mr Modi noted that the country is " on track " to exceed its commitments and targets to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions set in COP21 in Paris in 2015.

" We committed to reduce emissions intensity of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 33 to 35 per cent from 2005 levels. You would be happy to know that a drop of 24 per cent in the emission intensity has already been achieved ," he mentioned.

He also shared that India is making steady progress on its commitment to land degradation neutrality and renewable energy.

" We are well on track to setting up 450 giga watts of Renewable Energy generating capacity by 2030 ."

Talking about sustainable development, he said it was incomplete without equitable access. India has achieved nearly 100 per cent electrification using LED bulbs through the Ujala programme, access to clean cooking fuel through the Ujjwala Yojana and the J al Jeevan Mission for setting up tap connections. The PM-KUSUM scheme is developing solar energy for agriculture and work in underway to expand the domestic gas network.

The Prime Minister pointed out that discussions on sustainability often become too focused on green energy.

"Green energy is only the means. The destination we seek is a greener planet. Our culture's deep respect for forests and green cover is translating into outstanding results," he said.

Mr Modi drew attention to two aspects: togetherness and innovation.

"Sustainable development will only be achieved by collective efforts. When every individual thinks of national good, when every nation thinks of global good, that is when sustainable development will become a reality," he emphasised.

He briefly touched on India's association with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.

"India is ready to do whatever possible to further sustainable development. Our human centric approach could be a force multiplier for global good," he concluded.