Webinar Blog
Europe and India share decades old diplomatic ties and have witnessed significant progress over the past few years. On the climate front India and the EU have a great partnership and are looking to enhance it further. The EU and India are the 3rd and 4th largest carbon emitters in the world respectively and have a huge responsibility and role to play in the efforts towards climate change. It is absolutely crucial for the two regions to work together in order to tackle the climate crisis. Ahead of 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), scheduled Glasgow from October 31 to November21, Ananta Centre organised a virtual session on “Ambition and Action in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss: The need for multilateralism” addressed by Ambassador of EU to India H.E. Mr. Ugo Astuto. This session was chaired by Dr Jamshyd Godrej, Chairman of Board, Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Company Ltd. And Chairman, Ananta Centre.
The European Union has developed what is known as the “Green Deal” and is now Europe’s guide in their domestic policies and external projections. The policy set in place in the framework of the Green Deal aims at setting up the EU’s infrastructure, agriculture, and industries on the path towards green solutions.EU & India have a number of partnerships in place for instance the Clean Energy Climate Partnership. EU has also joined two Flagship initiatives with India and the International Solar Alliance and with Vice-President Timmerman participating in the ISA Assembly. Additionally, they have also announced their intention to launch a project for 1 million Euro strengthening the partnership of the EU and its member states with the International Solar Alliance.
The European Union has a target of net zero emissions by 2050. Meanwhile, under the Green deal they have also set up an intermediate target for 2030. Even though India has not yet released its target emission goals, it has ambitious renewable energy targets and wishes to achieve 450 gigawatts by 2030. India’s National Cooling Action plans to improve efficiency in cooling and improve the types of refrigerants and emissions from refrigerants which are very potent Green House gases.
The European Union and India can together give a significant contribution in shaping the international agenda in the pursuit of Global Commons, Biodiversity and Climate change. It is essential we work together for the success of Cop-26. The EU and India are ideally placed to steer the discussions in such forums. We have to do this in the interest of all countries and in the interest of the coming generations.
This digital session was a part of a series on “Ambassador Series.”
Please watch the full session on YouTube:-
