India calls for developed nations to take lead in climate action plan

India called on developed countries to take the lead in climate action in their national statement presented at a ministerial plenary at COP28 on Saturday.

- Jayashree Nandi

"India firmly believes that equity and climate justice must be the basis of global climate action. This can be ensured only when the developed countries take the lead in ambitious climate action," said Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav in his address.

He also said India has been at the forefront of climate action so far by action-oriented steps UF at the global level in response to climate change. "We have always held the view that people and planet are inseparable and human well-being and nature are intrinsically linked. The call given to the global community by Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi to join Mission LIFE Lifestyle for Environment bears testimony to India's action-oriented approach," Yadav added.

Mission LIFE advocates behaviour change towards a more sustainable living. Yadav said in addition that, India "launched the Green Credit Initiative here at COP28 on 1st December to create a participatory global platform for exchange of innovative environmental programs and instruments." The commitment on tripling renewable energy that over a 100 countries announced at the outset of the climate summit in Dubai was first reflected in the G20 New Delhi Declaration released under India's presidency in September, he added.