Cooperation must to achieve climate goals, says Yadav

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said the G20 nations have a responsibility to work together to address the developmental needs of the Global South. He said this during India’s closing statement at the G20 Climate and Environmental Sustainability Working Group Ministerial Meeting in South Africa.

Echoing Mahatma Gandhi, Yadav recalled how Gandhi had spread the message of truth in South Africa and across the world.

“Truth — not only spoken and heard, but also accepted. And today, we must accept the truth that climate change and environmental degradation are real challenges before us,” he said.

Yadav stressed that global challenges can be overcome only through cooperation, collaboration and commitment. Highlighting India’s progress on climate action, he noted that the country has raised its non-fossil electricity generation capacity to over 50 per cent in 2025, achieving its revised Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target five years ahead of schedule.

“Our installed solar capacity alone has grown from 2.8 gigawatts in 2014 to 127 gigawatts in 2025 — a 45-fold increase in 11 years. It shows that where there is a will, there is a way. As Nelson Mandela said, ‘It always seems impossible until it’s done,’” he added.