The Climate Group welcomed the announcements made by India Prime Minister Modi and US President Obama in New Delhi. Following on from both the EU and US-China joint announcements late last year, this US-India partnership now means the three biggest emitters have made commitments which are important contributions towards tackling global carbon emissions and strengthening international climate policy. 

 

Krishnan Pallassana, India Executive Director at The Climate Group, said: “The India-US agreement announced by Prime Minister Modi and President Obama will help to secure India’s ambitious programme around renewable energy growth, ultimately allowing India to build upon and realise its low carbon aspirations.

 

“In the past few days, both leaders reiterated their own personal commitment to generating and securing clean energy, and the potential this could have to connect more Indian households with sustainable energy. 40% of India is still not connected to the grid. Clean energy, particularly solar and wind, could eventually connect these homes via renewable sources, and revitalize India’s failing energy system. The Climate Group’s program, Bijli - Clean Energy for All, is doing just that; connecting remote villages without adding any extra emissions.

 

“We welcome this partnership while reiterating our commitment to work towards a holistic climate solution that will benefit the nation."

 

Evan Juska, Head of US Policy at The Climate Group, said: "As two of the world’s largest emitters, the US-India relationship is at the heart of international efforts to address climate change.  But to date, the two countries have often found themselves on opposite sides of the key issues facing the international negotiations. 

 

“By renewing their relationship at the leadership level, President Obama and Prime Minister Modi offer hope for a more constructive dialogue between the two nations in the coming months, and a successful outcome in Paris later this year.

 

“It is encouraging that they are backing their words up with concrete actions, such as phasing down global HFCs using the Montreal Protocol, and providing US support for India’s renewable energy and air pollution goals.  Ultimately, it is through real-life successes like these that trust can be re-established, and the foundation for an even deeper partnership can be built." 

 

Mark Kenber, CEO of The Climate Group, said: “This partnership between the US and India is further evidence that global leaders are recognizing climate change as both our biggest threat and biggest opportunity. This is an innovative collaboration between two very different, but equally critical, countries in the run up to the climate talks in Paris and the new global deal we expect to be agreed there.

 

“This US-India commitment will also be particularly welcomed by businesses in both countries. Last week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Indian businesses showed genuine interest at the prospect of greater investment and growth around green energy. What they need now is a robust and supportive framework that will drive further investment into a low carbon future. We look forward to seeing this positive and forward thinking reflected in India’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC).

 

"Global businesses are already taking advantage of low carbon technologies, with new campaigns like RE100 being supported by major corporations in India and elsewhere that are committing to 100% renewable power across their operations.

 

“The technologies are proven, the business will is there; we now need supportive policies from other major governments ahead of the Paris COP to help the transition to a strong low carbon economy. Now that the three biggest emitters have shown leadership, we hope others will follow too.”

 

The Climate Group

www.theclimategroup.org