UNFCCC COP 28: India Takes Proactive Steps Towards Sustainable Cooling and Climate Targets

Ms. Leena Nandan, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, reinforced India's commitment to leading the charge in achieving its climate targets. Speaking at a side event titled ‘India’s journey towards sustainable cooling’ at the India Pavilion, Ms. Nandan highlighted the nation's remarkable progress in meeting its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Ms. Nandan explained that when India announced NDCs in 2015, the aim was to achieve a 33-35% reduction in emission intensity by 2030. She further noted that efforts had surpassed expectations, resulting in a 33% reduction in the emission intensity of GDP achieved in 2019. She attributed this success to India's substantial investments in renewable energy, illustrating the country's commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.

Despite these achievements, Ms. Nandan emphasized that India remains proactive in its climate ambitions. She added that our updated NDCs reflect their recognition that the global community must do more to combat climate change.

India, facing the consequences of climate change, has actively participated in finding solutions. Ms. Nandan highlighted India's unique approach, striking a balance between economic development and environmental concerns, showcasing the India Cooling Action Plan as a model for other nations.

Acknowledging the importance of collaborative efforts, Ms. Nandan invited industry and stakeholders to engage in dialogue, research, and technology adoption to address cooling challenges specific to Indian climatic conditions. She emphasized the government's commitment to groundbreaking solutions and called for India to become a global leader in responsible and sustainable cooling practices.

The event showcased India's success in meeting targets under the Montreal Protocol and outlined its roadmap for creating a sustainable cooling and thermal comfort ecosystem. Ms. Rajasree Ray, Economic Adviser at the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, stressed the need for an integrated approach to achieve sustainable cooling in India.

A publication titled ‘India’s Journey Towards Sustainable Cooling’ was released during the event, providing insights into India's initiatives and collaborations on international environmental commitments. Recognizing the growing demand for cooling in various sectors, the India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) was developed to address cooling requirements across sectors and ensure access to sustainable cooling.

The plan emphasizes integrated, multi-stakeholder efforts and a consultative approach. India's proactive stance in implementing the Montreal Protocol was also highlighted during the event. The country has phased out HCFC 141b ahead of schedule and exceeded targets for the production and consumption phase-out of HCFCs.

Industry representatives from Blue Star Limited, SRF Limited, and Subros Technical Centre shared insights into their initiatives towards sustainable cooling. Implementing agencies such as UNDP, UNEP, and GIZ presented their perspectives to ensure the success of the Montreal Protocol.

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