English rendering of PM’s address at the International Conference on “The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics”
Prime Minister addressed the International Conference on “The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics” organized by the National Green Tribunal (NGT). He highlighted India's cultural commitment to nature, its status as the only G20 country to fulfill COP-21 Paris commitments ahead of schedule, and significant strides in renewable energy, clean mobility, water conservation, and afforestation over the past 12 years.
Why It Matters
Important for competitive exams regarding India's environmental policies, renewable energy capacity growth (solar capacity rising from 2 GW to over 160 GW), international climate alliances initiated by India, and flagship government schemes like PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme and KUSUM.
In Simple Words
India has a long tradition of protecting the environment, and today it is providing modern solutions to climate challenges. India is the only G20 nation to meet all its COP-21 Paris climate commitments ahead of schedule, with per capita carbon emissions less than half the global average. Over the past 12 years, the country has made massive progress in renewable energy, increasing solar capacity from 2 gigawatts to over 160 gigawatts and introducing major initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, Mission LiFE, and the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme.
In addition to renewable energy, India has transformed its transport, water conservation, and waste management sectors. Electric vehicle adoption has surged significantly, railway electrification is near 100 percent, and multiple waterways have been developed for green mobility. Water conservation efforts include building over 70,000 Amrit Sarovars and 15 million water harvesting structures, alongside promoting millets and natural farming. Through measures like banning single-use plastic and launching the Gobardhan Yojana, India continues to merge ancient cultural values with modern sustainable development.
Key Points
- India's per capita carbon emissions are less than half the global average, while developed countries' emissions are six times higher.
- India is the only G20 country that has fulfilled all its COP-21 Paris summit commitments ahead of schedule.
- India's solar energy capacity increased from about 2 gigawatts 12 years ago to over 160 gigawatts today.
- Under the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme, more than 5 million homes have installed rooftop solar panels.
- Under the KUSUM scheme, solar pumps have been installed for 3 million farmers.
- In the past 12 years, India's very dense forest cover has increased by more than 22 percent.
- Under the Catch the Rain campaign, nearly 15 million water harvesting structures have been built, and over 70,000 Amrit Sarovars have been constructed.
- Electric vehicle sales grew from fewer than 3,000 before 2014 to nearly 2.5 million last year.
Exam Angle
A. From about 2 gigawatts to over 160 gigawatts.
Source: Press Information Bureau