India: Developed nations 'already enjoyed fruits of low-cost energy', must meet net zero emissions goal faster
The achievement of the 'net zero' aim is recognised as a critical step in successfully combating climate change and its disastrous repercussions.
FollowIndia on Monday said that developed countries that have "already enjoyed the fruits of low-cost energy" should strive to meet the 'net zero emissions goal faster so that developing countries can get some "carbon space" for their growth. The statement comes ahead of the 26th session of the Conference of Parties on climate change in Glasgow, United Kingdom.
The term "net-zero" emissions refers to a balanced condition in which greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions continue but are offset by absorbing an equivalent quantity from the environment. The achievement of the 'net zero' aim is recognised as a critical step in successfully combating climate change and its disastrous repercussions.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal informed that the G20 nations decided "is global net zero, so all countries put together will be net-zero". It means that developed countries, which have already reaped the benefits of low-cost energy for several years, will have to go for net-zero much faster. The statement comes after the conclusion of the G20 Leaders' Summit in Rome.
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Before determining the year the 'net zero' target should be realised, the minister stated that countries must work on technical solutions. He highlighted that the present technologies could not absorb massive volumes of clean energy into networks while maintaining system stability. Goyal added that we would need to look at additional technology and innovation before pinpointing a year. He went on to say that nuclear energy should be decided based on the kind of technology that would be available to deal with the climate challenge.
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Meanwhile, leaders of the world's largest economies agreed to a compromise goal to achieve carbon neutrality by or around mid-century as they concluded a two-day summit setting the basis for the United Nations climate conference in Glasgow, Scotland. According to the final communique, the Group of 20 leaders also agreed to end public financing for coal-fired power generation abroad but set no timetable for phasing out coal domestically, a clear nod to coal-dependent countries such as China and India, and a setback for Britain, which had hoped for more firm commitments ahead of the Glasgow meeting.
