India Urged To Lead In Clean Development, Not Follow Outdated Western Practices: Commonwealth Secretary General – EQ
In Short : The Commonwealth Secretary General has urged India to lead in clean development and avoid outdated Western practices. Emphasizing India’s potential, she called for innovative, eco-friendly approaches to economic growth, positioning India as a global leader in sustainable development and climate action.
In Detail : Amid escalating climate impacts, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland urges India to reject outdated Western industrial practices and instead lead a pioneering shift towards a sustainable, clean development model for the Global South
India, while not historically responsible for the climate crisis, should avoid replicating the polluting practices of the West during its development, according to Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland. In a recent interview with PTI, Scotland highlighted that India has a unique opportunity to spearhead a just and equitable energy transition, leveraging its expertise and technology within the 56-natio Commonwealth, which represents 2.7 billion people.
Scotland stressed that India could set a global example by adopting a clean and sustainable development model that serves as a beacon for the Global South. Despite contributing minimally to the climate crisis, India is facing severe impacts such as extreme heat, flooding, and intense monsoons, underscoring the urgent need for action.
Scotland criticised the outdated Western development model, which she argues has led to the current climate crisis. Instead, she advocates for a new approach, grounded in circular economy principles that can avoid the mistakes of past industrialisation.
The 2015 Paris Agreement set a goal to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels to mitigate severe climate impacts. With global surface temperatures already up by approximately 1.2 degrees Celsius due to rising greenhouse gas concentrations, the need for a shift in development practices is critical.
Scotland acknowledged the argument of poorer and middle-income countries that historical emissions from developed nations disproportionately contribute to current global warming.
These countries assert their right to use fossil fuels to boost economic growth and alleviate poverty. However, Scotland believes India can lead by example, embracing innovative solutions and renewable energy.
India’s renewable energy currently constitutes 35 percent of its total energy consumption. Notable initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure demonstrate the potential of collaboration and innovation.
As part of its updated climate plan, India aims to increase non-fossil power capacity to 50 percent by 2030, contingent on international support. The country’s total installed power capacity stands at 446 gigawatts, with 195 gigawatts coming from renewable sources.
