COP28 | India pioneers responsible, sustainable growth in climate action: Secretary Environment

New Delhi, Dec 3: Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Leena Nandan, declared India's commitment to leading the narrative on responsible and sustainable growth during a side event at the UNFCCC COP 28 in Dubai. The event, titled "India’s Journey Towards Sustainable Cooling," was held at the India Pavilion.

Nandan emphasised India's proactive stance in achieving its climate targets, citing the successful accomplishment of 44% against the phased-out target of 35% in the production and consumption of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). She stated, "India will set the narrative on how to grow responsibly and sustainably."

During the side event, the Secretary highlighted India's progress in terms of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). In 2015, India had aimed for a 33-35% reduction in emission intensity by 2030. However, the nation has exceeded these expectations, achieving a 33% reduction in emission intensity of GDP in 2019. Nandan credited this success to India's simultaneous focus on renewable energy.

Undeterred by past achievements, Nandan shared that India has elevated its climate ambitions with updated NDCs last year, acknowledging the global imperative to do more in combating climate change.

Despite facing the consequences of climate change, India has taken a leading role in finding solutions, and balancing economic development and environmental concerns.

The Secretary lauded the India Cooling Action Plan as a model for many countries and called for increased efforts to be at the forefront of change.

She stressed the need for research on coolants suitable for Indian climatic conditions, coupled with industry dialogue to accelerate the adoption and scaling up of such technologies.

In her invitation to industry and stakeholders, Nandan urged them to contribute to making India a global leader in sustainable cooling practices. The event showcased India's success under the Montreal Protocol and outlined the roadmap for a sustainable cooling and thermal comfort ecosystem, addressing the growing demand in various sectors of the economy.

Recognizing that cooling demand will surge with the country's economic growth, the India Cooling Action Plan aims to synergize actions across sectors and provide access to sustainable cooling.