India’s Environment Minister, Bhupender Yadav on Monday said that the world needs rapid and transformative actions, in view of the fact that the remaining global carbon budget is meager and will be exhausted within this decade at the current rate of global emissions.

Participating virtually in the Like Minded Developing Countries (LMDC) Ministerial meeting titled “‘Preparations for COP 26 on Climate Change – Expectations and Challenges’ on 18th October, Mr. Yadav called for rapid reduction of emissions by developed countries in this decade.

According to a press brief issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Mr. Yadav highlighted the ambitious climate actions taken up by India in areas of renewable energy, energy access, and efficiency, sustainable transport including e-mobility, sustainable agriculture, enhancing green cover, etc. 

The minister was quick to point out the accelerated climate action taken by developing countries like India which requires the contingent provision of climate finance, technology, and other means of implementation support. Stressing on the significance of global partnerships and cooperation, he requested the LMDC countries to join the initiatives of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) launched by India.

He also emphasised that India has achieved a reduction of 24% in emission intensity of its GDP between 2005 and 2016, thereby achieving its pre-2020 voluntary target.

The ministerial level Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDC) group meeting has been hosted by the Plurinational State of Bolivia ahead of the crucial upcoming 26th climate change conference to be held in Glasgow, UK from October 31 to November 12, 2021. 

LMDC comprises around 25 developing countries from Asia and other regions.

A statement released by LMDC states that calling all countries to adopt Net Zero targets by 2050 is inequitable and runs counter to the Paris Agreement and is against climate justice. A ministerial statement was endorsed by the LMDC ministers during the meeting, expressing their full support to COP26 Presidency and willingness to work closely and constructively with all other parties and stakeholders towards a successful COP26 through the multilateral process that is conducted in an open and transparent, inclusive, party-driven and consensus-based manner.