India is going into the COP26 climate talks in Glasgow, Scotland. The country has a strong message for wealthy nations that take action against climate change 1st. On Wednesday, the South Asian country rejected calls to announce net-zero emission targets. They said the blame for the climate crisis lay with developed nations.

India is the world 3rd biggest emitter of greenhouse gases. The country is under pressure to announce the plans it has made to become carbon-free by mid-century. But according to the environment secretary, the country is the victim of global warming and not a contributor. Achieving net-zero is not the solution to the climate crisis. How much carbon is put in the atmosphere before reaching net-zero that is more important?

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The world needs to find a solution to reduce greenhouse emissions and prevent the global temperature from rising. The US, European Union, Britain have set a target date of 2050 to reach net zero. After that, they will emit greenhouse gases that soils, crops, forests can absorb.  The target of 2060 is being kept by China and Saudi Arabia, but these are mainly meaningless without tangible action now.

According to the Indian government calculation, the US will release 92 gigatons of carbon into the atmosphere between now and the middle of the century. By its net-zero target date, China is expected to add a staggering 450 gigatons. From October 31- November 12, representatives of nearly 200 countries will meet for the COP26 climate talks. The purpose will be to discuss what actions can be taken to deal with global warming under the 2015 Paris Agreement.

Indian Priminister will attend the conference to show the world how the country is profoundly taking climate change. Chinese President is not expected. The countries are expected to announce new and strengthened intermediate targets for cutting emissions while working towards net-zero. Environment Minister of India, in a statement, has said India is on track to achieve targets set at 2015 Paris Agreement and the door are kept open to device them. On the table all options are available. 

According to some environmental experts, India should consider lowering its emission intensity by 40%. But this will depend on finance and access to new technology. The environmental minister of India has said the success of the Glasgow conference could be measured by how much the conference delivered on climate-related financial help to the developing countries to cut emissions and ensure economic growth. India should not be pressured more to cut emissions when developed countries cannot meet their climate target. 

Coal is the dirtiest form of energy, and scientists say that eliminating coal is essential to handle climate change. But in India, more than 70% of electricity is still generated from coal. It is not reasonable for India to drastically cut coal production. The developed countries are taking time to exit coal and gas sectors. India’s growing energy needs to accommodate its 1.3 billion population. To reduce the use of coal will come by retiring and decommissioning old and inefficient power plants.

 

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