India presses developed countries to fast-track climate finance to Global South

Amidst a deepening climate crisis, India’s Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav exhorted developed countries to fast-track technological and financial assistance to developing countries of the Global South.

Speaking at the maiden Voice of Global South Summit hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mr Yadav highlighted that the developed countries have used climatic resources exhaustively in the past and now it is their responsibility to restore climatic equilibrium.

Mr. Yadav reinforced India’s commitment to combat the climate crisis and underlined New Delhi’s commitment to help the developing countries achieve their developmental goals. He also highlighted the problems faced by the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) countries due to the climate change and the initiatives taken by India in this regard such as Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS) and International Solar Alliance (ISA). In this context, the minister also touched on interlined themes of blue economy, circular economy and land restoration.

In particular, Mr Yadav showcased India’s global mission Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) which makes an individual a catalyst of climate action. Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the presence of UN Secretary General António Guterres at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat. First proposed by the Prime Minister at COP26, Mission LiFE is envisioned as a global mass movement that will nudge individual and collective action to protect and preserve the environment. “India seeks to lead by example and invites the global community to be a part of Mission LiFE for individual, family and community-based actions,” he said.

“India is committed to tackling the impact of climate change and supporting the efforts of developing countries to achieve their developmental goals through necessary developmental and technical assistance. India has always encouraged a global initiative that champions the interest and concerns of developing countries,” he added.

Both India and Japan have taken over presidencies of the G7 and G20 summits respectively, providing opportunities to both countries to advance green economy and sustainable development.

(Anushka Ghosh contributed inputs for this article)

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