India’s environment minister speaks at Times Network’s India Climate Summit

Delhi: Times Network hosted the inaugural edition of the India Climate Summit 2024 in New Delhi. The Summit brought together stakeholders and climate champions to discuss and devise a definitive action plan for India’s future as an environmentally sustainable and responsible nation focusing on embodying India's vision of achieving a net-zero economy by 2070.

The special address at the Summit was delivered by Bhupender Yadav, Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The sessions were delivered by speakers including, Erik Solheim, former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of UNEP; Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI; Mozaharul Alam, Regional Climate Change Coordinator (UNEP) and APAN Secretariat amongst others.

Delivering the special address and participating in a fireside chat, Yadav said, "Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has remarkably met its climate targets over the past decade, a testament to our national resolve. Pioneering initiatives like '1 Ped Maa Ke Naam' and the widespread adoption of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) exemplify our unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability. Three critical challenges lie ahead, controlling carbon emissions from human-centric development, balancing our consumption of natural resources, and combating land degradation. We advocate for mindful consumption and environmental stewardship. Our efforts, including providing Soil Health Cards to 30 crore farmers and launching initiatives like '1 Ped Maa Ke Naam,' reflect our dedication to preserving Mother Earth. We must integrate our cultural values with technological advancements to foster mindful consumption."

The India Climate Summit concluded a white paper, prepared in conjunction with EY, unveiled, offering insights and ideas for managing India's climate and sustainability transition. Additionally, to offset the event's carbon footprint, over a thousand trees were planted.