India debates the net zero emission target— what is at stake
Hindustan TimesIndia’s climate policy establishment is engaged in an intense debate on a key policy question which will determine the future development and environmental trajectory of the nation — will, and should, India join the elite club of nations that have announced a net zero emission target by the mid-century in the run up to the United Nations climate change conference in Glasgow this November? The enhanced global pressure Around 58 countries, accounting for more than half of the world’s emissions, have announced net zero emission targets so far, according to Climatewatchdata.org. In reply to a question in Rajya Sabha on India’s stand with respect to global carbon space, Union environment minister, Prakash Javadekar said on March 15: “India has repeatedly noted in climate negotiations that the developed countries have historically consumed far more than their fair share of the global carbon budget.India continues to uphold the need for equitable access to carbon space as among the key principles guiding implementation of the Paris Agreement, as well as the achievement of the larger goal of sustainable development in keeping with the needs and aspirations of its people.” Is net zero a panacea? The developmental implications India will also need to make very quick and transformational changes to its energy mix to achieve a net zero emissions target, which could also hurt its development prospects. This, in turn, would require significant international financial investments and technological transfer from or technology co-development with the developed world.” Ulka Kelkar, director, climate program at World Resources Institute suggests that India shouldn’t abandon the idea of a net zero emissions scenario.