by Anjali Jaiswal for NRDC
With the Paris Agreement now in force, world leaders signaled overwhelming support for strong action, as the climate talks come to a close in Morocco. Even though the talks were overshadowed by Donald Trump’s election campaign claims to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, countries emphasized their resolve to climate action to meet domestic needs—such as India’s target to achieve 100 gigawatts of installed solar energy by 2022.
“Countries have strongly supported the Agreement because they realize their own national interest is best secured by pursuing the common good. Now we have to translate words into effective policies and actions. This is critical to protect our planet, safeguard the most vulnerable and drive shared prosperity.”
International Solar Alliance
Recognizing the potential of solar energy to combat climate change and air pollution, over 20 countries including Brazil and France took action to work cooperatively in advancing solar energy under the International Solar Alliance. Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Francois Hollande during the Paris talks last December, the ISA aims to bring “sun rich” countries together. Hosted by Environment Minister Anil Dave, the ISA is a platform to improve technology and policy to make solar energy more cost competitive with fossil fuels in developing markets.
India’s Climate Pledge
India announced its pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 33 to 35 percent relative to 2005 levels by 2030. India’s climate pledge is a strong target and places clean energy at the center of its plan for economic growth. India has played a key role in the adoption of an amendment under the Montreal Protocol to cut emission of the greenhouse gasses known as hydrofluorocarbons.
NRDC’s new fact sheet on India Climate Actions highlights key programs that India is taking to combat climate change.
