Comprehensive plan

Speaking in Hindi, Mr. Modi reiterated India’s commitment to the creation of 175 GW renewable energy capacity by 2022 under the Paris Climate Agreement. “What is needed today is a comprehensive approach which covers education, values and everything from lifestyle to developmental philosophy... What we need is a global people’s movement to bring about behavioural change.”

 

India would spend approximately $50 billion “in the next few years” on the Jal Jeevan Mission to conserve water, harvest rainwater and develop water resources, he added.

 

Mr. Modi also said India planned to “considerably increase the proportion of the biofuel blend in petrol and diesel.”

 

He said India had plans to make the transport sector green through the use of electrical vehicles.

 

The Prime Minister highlighted his call from banning single-use plastics, the International Solar Alliance, an Indian-led initiative, and that India had provided 160 million families with cooking gas connections.

 

New initiatives

He also announced two international initiatives. First, a platform with Sweden and other countries, for governments and the private sector to work together to develop low carbon pathways for industry. 

 

Second, a Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. This initiative was approved by the Union Cabinet last month and ₹480 crore has been allocated for technical assistance and projects. 

 

The U.K., Australia and island nations such as Fiji and the Maldives will be part of this coalition.

 

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres had asked leaders to come with “concrete plans” rather than “beautiful speeches”, a message he emphasised at the start of the summit.

 

Mr. Modi’s early slot, after New Zealand Prime Minister Jacina Ardern and Hilda Heine, the President of the Marshall Islands, was a recognition of India’s leadership in climate action, according to India’s UN envoy Syed Akbaruddin, who briefed the media a few days ago on the summit.

 

U.S. pulls out

The U.S., Brazil, and South Africa are among countries that will not be speaking at the summit. 

 

U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice-President Mike Pence briefly attended the summit and listened to several speeches including Mr. Modi’s.