Bhupender Yadav stressed that the environment-friendly actions (LiFE Actions) on a mass scale across the globe can be a significant positive contributor to saving our common and the only world
There is a need for developing policies, which are inclusive and sustainable, to reduce inequality and contribute to the empowerment and improvement of the quality of people’s lives, said Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change at environment ministers’ session at the two-day ‘Voice of Global South Summit’ held virtually. Ministers from 14 countries of the global south participated in the summit having ‘Balancing growth with environment friendly lifestyles’ as its theme. He mentioned India’s role in supporting and raising the voice of global south in dealing with the issue of climate change and environment at various international fora.
He further highlighted the role of the developed world in providing the financial and technological assistance to the developing countries. The problems faced by the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) countries due to the climate change and the initiatives taken by India through the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS) and International Solar Alliance (ISA) were also mentioned. The experience of India in tackling with natural disasters through the institutional mechanism was also highlighted. The G20 presidency and the topics of blue economy, circular economy and land restoration were mentioned to the ministers of the global south.
Yadav stressed that the environment-friendly actions (LiFE Actions) on a mass scale across the globe can be a significant positive contributor to saving our common and the only world. He highlighted the importance of the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle For Environment) in tackling the global issue of climate change.
The ministers from the Global South raised various problems being faced by the SIDS. Food security, sea level rise, coastal erosion and economic downturn due to Covid-19 pandemic were some of the common issues raised by them. The developing coastal countries also stated the catastrophic impacts of climate change. Many developing countries highlighted the role of the adaptation policies they are developing to tackle climate change. Use of green energy, renewable energy, circular economy, sustainable development and biodiversity conservation was some of the common attempts mentioned by the developing countries. Many countries highlighted their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) targets and initiatives to reduce greenhouse gases.
All the countries congratulated India on G20 presidency and expected positive outcomes on the topics of blue economy, circular economy and land degradation. The ministers mentioned that the problem of the climate change is common for all countries – whether developed or developing – but the solution is not easy for the developing states as they lack the technological and financial support. They highlighted the role of south-south cooperation in tackling the challenges of climate change.