Circular Economy is the Future of Business: Shri Bhupendra Yadav
“The most significant aspect is that India is striving towards low carbon development in accordance with national circumstances. In keeping with its large population, traditions and culture, India is fulfilling its commitment to playing a leading role in meeting the challenge of global warming,” said Shri Bhupendra Yadav, Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change & Labour and Employment, while chairing a plenary session at CII’s Annual Session 2023, held on 24th May 2023, New Delhi.
Shri Yadav said it is important that the country should address issues related to climate change along with environmental action holistically. The minister added that India, in its G20 presidency, has embedded mitigation and adaption deeply across the priority areas of arresting land degradation, escalating system restoration and enriching biodiversity. He emphasised on living in harmony with nature and the Government of India’s initiative of mission ‘LIFE’, an acronym for ‘Lifestyle for Environment’.
The minister urged people and industries to adopt lifestyles that are inclusive of environmental growth and sustainability. He also said that this World Environment Day, the focus of celebrations is on mission LIFE and urged individuals and industries to contribute to this initiative of the GoI. In his message, he conveyed India’s vision and commitment to combat climate change. Shri Yadav praised India’s initiatives for sustainable and inclusive development and mentioned that India has overachieved its commitment of cutting down its reliability on fossil fuels for power. He added that India’s power generation sector is further working upon adoption of super critical and ultra critical technologies to improve efficiency of power generation plants in India. The minister enumerated numerous pathways for attaining a low carbon footprint, which included the following:
Low carbon development of electricity system
Integrated, efficient, inclusive low carbon system
Adaptation in urban design and material efficiency for sustainable urbanisation
Engineering solutions to reduce carbon emissions
Economic and financial aspects of low carbon development
“India’s development journey is mindful of environmental concerns and inclusivity and, therefore, in its development journey our government is aiming at leaving no one behind and it is also portrayed in India’s theme for G20,” the minister said.
Mr Sanjiv Puri, Vice-President, CII and CMD, ITC Ltd., stated that it is extremely encouraging to note that India has taken multi-dimensional initiatives to usher in sustainable and green growth, and is therefore cementing its position as a global leader in climate action initiatives. Indian industry is taking numerous initiatives for sustainable growth pathways, which is also reflected in the climate change performance index — India jumped two places and is positioned at number 8 in the global list. He mentioned that it is encouraging to witness how policies are being put in place to assist industries to meet their ESG targets, for which he thanked the minister and the Government of India.
24 May 2023
New Delhi