PM Modi Inaugurates International Conference on 'Future of Environment and Climate Change'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated an international conference themed 'Future of Environment and Climate Change' at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. On this occasion, he emphasized the synergy between India's ancient cultural wisdom and modern climate solutions. The Prime Minister also praised the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for its role in advancing climate missions.

Addressing the issue of carbon emissions, the Prime Minister noted that responsibility is often unfairly placed on developing nations, while the historical reality is that India's per capita carbon emission is less than half of the global average. He pointed out that developed countries emit six times more carbon per capita than India. Shri Modi highlighted India's achievement as the only G20 nation to meet its COP-21 commitments ahead of schedule.

Detailing progress in the renewable energy sector, the Prime Minister stated that solar energy capacity has increased from 2 gigawatts to over 160 gigawatts over the last 12 years. He provided information regarding the 'PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana', aimed at connecting 5 million homes to solar power, and the 'KUSUM Yojana', which provides solar pumps to 3 million farmers. Additionally, he mentioned that the 'One Nation-One Grid' project would lead to a reduction of 200 million tons of carbon emissions.

Mentioning modern transformations in the transport sector, the Prime Minister announced the launch of the world's longest first hydrogen train. He noted a significant increase in electric vehicle sales, which were fewer than 3,000 before 2014 and reached approximately 2.5 million last year. Furthermore, he outlined the environmental benefits of expanding the metro network by over 1,000 kilometers, the electrification of railways, and the development of a 3,000-kilometer-long dedicated freight corridor.

Discussing water and agricultural conservation, Shri Modi mentioned the construction of 70,000 Amrit Sarovars and 15 million rainwater harvesting structures under the 'Catch the Rain' campaign. He shared information on the increasing global use of Shri Anna (millets) and the establishment of 24,000 natural farming clusters across 1.25 million hectares under the National Natural Farming Mission.

Regarding other environmental conservation efforts, the Prime Minister noted a 22 percent increase in dense forest cover over the past 12 years and highlighted the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign. He reiterated efforts to ban single-use plastics and transform organic waste into resources through 'waste-to-wealth' models like the 'GOBAR-dhan Yojana'. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the conference would provide innovative solutions for the future of humanity.