G20 must respond to call for urgent climate action, says minister

New Delhi, July 23

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Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav today said G20 must respond to the call of science for urgent global climate action in this decade. Speaking on the concluding day of the G20 Energy and Climate Joint Ministerial Meeting at Naples, Italy, Yadav said common but differentiated responsibilities to combat climate change as per respective capabilities and national circumstances lies at the heart of the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement.

“We should not be shifting goalposts and setting new benchmarks for global climate ambition,” he said.

Informing about initiatives taken under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Yadav said India had exhibited exemplary resolve by achieving its pre-2020 voluntary commitment of reducing emission intensity. “With increase in urbanisation, it is important to create and preserve green spaces and protect biodiversity in urban areas,” he said.

Speaking at different sessions, Yadav underlined the need to cut absolute emissions rapidly while taking into account the Paris Agreement which emphasised on respective historical responsibilities, delivery of promised climate finance and technologies at low-cost. — TNS