“The Global South is driving the climate agenda, and the world now looks to India as a leader. In 2020 alone, India slashed its GHG emissions by 7.93%—a testament to its commitment to climate action,” said Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Sh. Bhupender Yadav in his inaugural address today at the World Sustainable Development Summit 2025. The summit was organized by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) with the theme "Partnerships for Accelerating Sustainable Development and Climate Solutions." Prime Minister of Guyana, HE Brigadier Mark Phillip and HE Ms. Marina Silva, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Brazil were present on this occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Sh. Yadav underscored the critical role of the Global South in the fight against climate change, calling for increased collaboration, ambition, and action at the international level. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to global sustainability under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who has spearheaded transformative global initiatives, including the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and Mission Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE).
Union Minister reiterated the need to confront the issue of speciesism, which, like racism, prioritizes human interests over the well-being of other species and ecosystems. He emphasized that true sustainability can only be achieved when all forms of life are considered equally important and when environmental policies account for the protection and restoration of wildlife and biodiversity.
Sh. Yadav observed India’s role as a global climate leader, committed to ensuring that climate action remains inclusive, ambitious, and collaborative. He emphasized that the Global South, including India, is essential in shaping climate discourse, as it faces the brunt of climate change impacts while also offering solutions rooted in sustainable development practices. He called on developed countries to honour their financial and technological commitments, especially in fulfilling their obligations under the Paris Agreement. He also underscored the need for enhanced international cooperation in strengthening Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), ensuring they address both the challenges and opportunities of climate action.
Union Minister Sh. Yadav addressed the pressing need for increased climate adaptation finance. He referenced the UNEP Adaptation Gap Report, which highlights the urgent need to scale up adaptation efforts to cope with rising climate impacts. He called for more robust financial support for adaptation, ensuring that the most vulnerable regions are able to implement solutions that build resilience and safeguard livelihoods.
Union Minister Sh. Bhupender Yadav outlined India’s long-term vision to become a Viksit Bharat by 2047, with a target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. He highlighted India’s progress, including the 36% reduction in emission intensity of GDP between 2005 and 2020 compared to the 45% target for 2030, and the Union Budget of 2025’s emphasis on energy security, expanding clean energy capacity, and fostering domestic manufacturing of green technologies. He emphasized that the fight against climate change cannot be fragmented. He emphasized on the importance of integrating climate action with the broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and called for strong global partnerships to address interconnected challenges such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. The Minister called for reforms in global governance, urging the international community to place equity and justice at the heart of climate negotiations.
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