Addressing the COP28 Summit's session on Transforming Climate Finance, Prime Minister Modi urged developed countries to achieve a complete reduction in carbon footprint intensity by 2050. He also welcomed the decision to operationalize the 'Loss and Damage Fund,' aimed at assisting vulnerable nations in coping with the impact of climate change.

In his opening address at the summit, Modi announced India's proposal to host COP33 in 2028. “India is committed to UN Framework for Climate Change process. That is why, from this stage, I propose to host COP33 Summit in India in 2028,” In his speech at the World Climate Action Summit during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, the Prime Minister remarked.  He said, "India is committed to the UN Framework for Climate Change process. That is why, from this stage, I propose to host COP33 Summit in India in 2028."

“India's goal is to bring down emissions intensify by 45% till 2030. We have decided to increase the share of non-fossil fuel to 50%. We will also keep going ahead towards our goal of net zero by 2070,” he said.

During the UN climate conference in Dubai, Prime Minister Modi addressed the high-level segment for heads of states and governments, emphasizing that India has set a commendable example for the world in balancing development and environmental conservation. Notably, Modi was the sole leader to participate in the opening plenary, accompanied by COP28 President Sultan Al Jaber and UN Climate Change President Simon Steill.

The 28th edition of the climate change conference, which commenced, will continue until December 12. During his approximately 21-hour stay in Dubai, Modi is scheduled to have seven bilateral meetings, deliver four speeches, and participate in two special initiatives on climate events. This marks Modi's third appearance at the World Climate Action Summit, following his attendance in Paris in 2015 and Glasgow in 2021. The Indian community in Dubai extended a warm welcome to the Prime Minister.

The primary objective of the conference is to conduct a stocktaking exercise, evaluating the progress in the global fight against climate change and determining measures to enhance climate actions by nations. In anticipation of the Prime Minister's visit to Dubai, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra emphasized that India, despite accelerating its transition to renewable energy, cannot immediately abandon reliance on coal for electricity generation. He stated, "Coal is and would remain an important part of India’s energy mix as we move forward to meet our developmental priorities in our country."

The prime minister urged for a balance between "mitigation and adaptation," emphasizing that the global energy transition must be "just and inclusive." He added, "Mother Earth is looking towards us to protect her future; we have to succeed, we have to be decisive."

Image source: Hindustan Times