India’s contribution to per capita carbon emissions stands at less than half of the global average, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said while inaugurating the International Conference on the Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics in New Delhi. Speaking on Saturday, Modi argued that developing countries have often been unfairly held responsible for carbon emissions, noting that India is the only G-20 nation to have fulfilled its Paris Agreement COP-21 commitments ahead of schedule.
The two-day conference, organized by the National Green Tribunal at Vigyan Bhawan, brings together environmental experts, Supreme Court and High Court judges, district court judges, and judicial representatives from 17 countries, alongside senior government officials including Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav and Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.
Renewable Energy and Climate Targets
Prime Minister Modi emphasized that India has made extraordinary progress across every environmental sector over the past 12 years. According to his remarks, the country’s primary focus has centered on renewable energy, clean mobility, and green hydrogen, with wind energy capacity tripling over the last 12 years. Modi also highlighted that India is actively working with the global community through frameworks like the International Solar Alliance, the Global Biofuels Alliance, the International Big Cat Alliance, and Mission LiFE.
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav provided additional figures during the inaugural session, stating that non-fossil fuel sources now account for more than 54 percent of India’s installed electricity capacity, surpassing earlier national targets. Yadav noted that India ranks third globally in renewable energy installed capacity and serves as the world’s second-largest solar growth market, demonstrating that economic growth and climate action can advance together.
Did You Know? Prime Minister Modi launched the NGT Mobile App during the conference to assist with environmental governance and institutional cooperation.
Judicial and Ancient Civilizational Frameworks
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant addressed the gathering by emphasizing that the concept of preserving the Earth existed in the country long before the establishment of modern environmental tribunals and regulatory frameworks. He pointed to the Indian Constitution as a moral commitment toward past, present, and future generations, while underlining the fundamental duty of every citizen to protect forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife with compassion.
Minister Yadav added that India’s approach to environmental responsibility stems from its ancient civilizational ethos, which views the Earth as a shared inheritance rather than a possession. On wildlife conservation, Yadav reported that populations of key species—including tigers, lions, and elephants—have increased significantly, while restoration efforts continue for forests, grasslands, wetlands, vultures, and the Great Indian Bustard.
Future Outlook and Challenges
Participants at the conference will use the remaining sessions to examine policy gaps in implementation and enforcement, while working to strengthen institutional cooperation. Prime Minister Modi also cautioned that expanding domestic nuclear energy generation could face legal hurdles, noting that critics of environmental policy may file court challenges against such initiatives. The two-day event concludes on Sunday with a valedictory session scheduled to be attended by President Droupadi Murmu.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are India’s per capita carbon emissions compared to the global average?
According to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s contribution to per capita carbon emissions is less than half of the global average.
Which organization organized the International Conference on the Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics?
The two-day conference was organized by the National Green Tribunal.
How has India performed regarding its COP-21 climate commitments?
Prime Minister Modi stated that India is the only country in the G-20 that has successfully fulfilled the commitments made at the COP-21 Summit in Paris ahead of schedule.
How do you view India’s progress in balancing rapid economic development with aggressive renewable energy expansion?
Worth a look