Union Minister Piyush Goyal has said that India’s per-capita carbon dioxide emission is the lowest amongst big economies. He said the ambitious renewable energy target of 450 Gigawatts by 2030 shows India’s commitment towards the United Nations 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals. Speaking at the UN Trade Forum 2021, he said that Climate justice should be protected and developed countries should reconsider their pattern of consumption and focus on sustainable lifestyles.
The Minister said India has taken many bold steps on clean energy, energy efficiency, afforestation and bio-diversity. India has also encouraged global initiatives like International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
Mr Goyal called for decoupling the Trade policy and Green goals. He said that trade policy should look for more inclusive growth all over the world. He said that a clean environment and inclusive development which is sustainable, is a priority agenda for India. The Minister said that India’s long-standing position has been that measures related to environment and sustainability should not be linked to trade.