Paris climate change summit, Day 1: As it happened
The heads of state and governments have gathered in Paris to set the agenda for the Summit, aimed at reaching a landmark global deal on limiting emissions.
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Paris: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the World Climate Change Conference 2015 here on Monday. A total of 147 heads of state and governments gathered here to set the agenda for the Summit, aimed at reaching a landmark global deal on limiting greenhouse gas emissions. PM Modi asked the developed nations which powered their way to prosperity on fossil fuels to fulfil their duty to shoulder the greater burden of the fight against climate change.
Before leaving for Paris, Prime Minister Modi said that India will deliberate on crucial issues relating to environmental and climate change. During the 12-day conference, India`s 25-member delegation will focus on PM Modi`s call for `Climate Justice` that he had made in his address at the UN General Assembly last month. Negotiations to finalise a draft agreement is to begin at the Summit later tonight.
Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar is leading the Indian delegation at the Summit.
Also Read: French President Hollande welcomes Modi at CoP 21 climate summit
PM @narendramodi outlines the ambitious targets that India has set pic.twitter.com/UrfcPL1EHW
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) November 30, 2015
We will succeed if we have the wisdom to craft a collective partnership that balances responsibilities and capabilities: PM Modi.
We look to the developed countries to mobilize 100 billion US Dollars annually by 2020 for mitigation and adaptation: PM Modi.
The principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities must remain the bedrock of our collective enterprise: PM Modi.
We hope advanced nations will assume ambitious targets and pursue them as they have the most room for impact: PM Modi.
We are guided by our ancient belief that people and planet are inseparable, that human well being and Nature are indivisible: PM Modi.
Democratic India must grow rapidly to meet the aspirations of 1.25 billion people, 300 million of whom are without access to energy: PM Modi.
The prosperous still have a strong carbon footprint but the world's billions at the bottom of the development ladder are seeking space to grow: PM Modi.
PM beings statement at COP21 Plenary, expresses admiration for the resilience and resolve of the French.
A tweet by PM Modi:
My message to the world- let us turn to the Sun to power our future. https://t.co/IEvPZglKGj
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 30, 2015
From earlier today: PM @narendramodi meeting Prince Charles & PM @David_Cameron. @ClarenceHouse @Number10gov pic.twitter.com/exFdakzwQM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 30, 2015
I welcome the initiative of PM Modi, UN will work to make it a success: UN Secretary General.
Another picture from earlier today: PM @narendramodi meeting President Mahmoud Abbas of Palestine. pic.twitter.com/I3azQVTxkN
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 30, 2015
PM @narendramodi highlights the unique convergence between ecology, economy, and energy that can shape our future pic.twitter.com/zcSH5psYfi
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) November 30, 2015
International Solar Alliance is my long-standing dream, want to bring solar energy into our lives and homes: PM Modi.
India has capacity of 4GW and we have set a target of adding 100 GW of solar power by 2022: PM Modi at launch of "International Solar Alliance".
Today, when energy sources and excesses of our industrial age have put our planet in peril, we must turn to Sun to power our future: PM Modi.
This day is the sunrise for new hope, not just for clean energy but for villages who do not get energy, says PM Modi.
This is the inaugural day of defining global conference on climate change: PM Modi at launch of International Solar Alliance.
A symbol of life & a source of hope! PM @narendramodi & Prez @fhollande at launch of Int'l Solar Alliance pic.twitter.com/1JK9oicpsH
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) November 30, 2015
We will restore the balance between ecology and economy, and between our inheritance and obligation to the future: PM.
This partnership will combine the responsibility of government with the innovative capacity of the private sector: PM Modi.
Our innovation initiative should be driven by public purpose, not just market incentives, including on intellectual property: PM Modi.
Access to energy and a better life is a universal aspiration; so are clean environment and healthy habitats: PM Modi.
Our innovation initiative should be driven by public purpose, not just market incentives, including on intellectual property: PM Modi.
We need research and innovation to make renewable energy cheaper and more accessible: PM Modi.
PM Narendra Modi and President Obama in Paris, PM talks about India's commitment to the ideas & targets of #COP21 pic.twitter.com/uebmwGN16R
— ANI (@ANI_news) November 30, 2015
World's 121 countries who are "Solar Rich" are coming together to form a new group. I will launch it with France President, says PM.
An opportunity for engagement. The leaders of the 2 largest democracies exchange views on sidelines of #COP21 pic.twitter.com/PxmNlMygEV
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) November 30, 2015
I believe that this move will help fulfil the dreams with which we all have collected in Paris, says PM Modi.
The meetings in Paris continue. PM @narendramodi in conversation with President @elbegdorj of Mongolia. pic.twitter.com/I5YP4ijkvz
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 30, 2015
Another picture from the meeting between @POTUS and PM @narendramodi. pic.twitter.com/uewLKvBPJe
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 30, 2015
Also Read: Why Paris climate conference is important for the world
Protecting our planet & nature is a priority for India, says PM Modi #COP21 pic.twitter.com/KzxutLAw1N
— ANI (@ANI_news) November 30, 2015
PM Narendra Modi meets US President Barack Obama on the sidelines of #COP21, Paris pic.twitter.com/0dxm6GB1gs
— ANI (@ANI_news) November 30, 2015
Also Read: Paris Climate Conference 2015: PM Modi's speech at Indian pavillion inaguration - highlights
A meeting between @POTUS and PM @narendramodi in Paris on the sidelines of @COP21. pic.twitter.com/TjtNgIBY7C
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 30, 2015
Deepening ties with Afghanistan...PM @narendramodi meets President @ashrafghani. pic.twitter.com/mdSABXZobC
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 30, 2015
Paris: PM @AbeShinzo and PM @narendramodi meet. @India4Climate pic.twitter.com/e5qOIsgQ7V
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 30, 2015
Also Read: Paris Climate Conference: Watch LIVE webcast here
Top Leaders at the High Table. PM @narendramodi attends a special lunch hosted by President @fhollande at #COP21 pic.twitter.com/q8MxwUhoqL
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) November 30, 2015
We approach the negotiations under UNFCCC in a spirit of partnership, based on the principles of equity & common but differentiated responsibility. To the people of India and our friends, I call you to live with the commitment of ‘Lokah Samastah Sukhinau Bhavantu’: PM said in conclusion of his speech.
Also Read: Obama, Xi tout close US-China climate coordination
PM outlines the changes taking place in India as it adapts: By 2030, 40% of our installed capacity will be based on non-fossil fuel. #COP21
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) November 30, 2015
Summit is of great significance to India's future. It is a window to our tradition, progress, aspirations & achievements. Climate change is a major global challenge. We want the world to act with urgency. Agreement must lead us to restore balance between humanity & nature: PM
This pavilion (Indian) is a window to our heritage and our progress. I speak not just to the world but our own people, India must lead in combating climate change. Our commitment to tackle climate change arises from our timeless traditions and beliefs: PM
PM @narendramodi: Our commitment to tackle climate change arises from our timeless traditions and beliefs. pic.twitter.com/bi03mmfRAb
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) November 30, 2015
Climate change is not of our making. It is the result of global warming that came from an industrial age powered by fossil fuel. Yet, we face its consequences today, and that is why the outcome in Paris is so important and we are here today. We want a comprehensive equitable and durable agreement in Paris: PM Modi.
Delighted to inaugurate the pavilion. This is the 1st day of a historic summit: PM begins his remarks.
Delighted to inaugurate the pavilion. This is the 1st day of a historic summit: PM begins his remarks https://t.co/IFQDXd626I @India4Climate
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 30, 2015
We want the world to act with urgency. Agreement must lead us to restore balance between humanity & nature: PM
PM @narendramodi begins speech at inaug'n of India Pavilion: This pavilion is a window to our heritage & r progress pic.twitter.com/Y4rWFMfplh
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) November 30, 2015
We want the world to act with urgency. Agreement must lead us to restore balance between humanity & nature: PM @narendramodi @India4Climate
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 30, 2015
Summit is of great significance to India's future. It is a window to our tradition, progress, aspirations & achievements: PM @India4Climate
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 30, 2015
Delighted to inaugurate the pavilion. This is the 1st day of a historic summit: PM begins his remarks https://t.co/IFQDXd626I @India4Climate
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 30, 2015
PM Narendra Modi inaugurates the India pavilion at World Climate Change Conference.
Showcasing India's commitment to Climate Action. PM @narendramodi inaugurates unique India Pavilion at @COP21 #COP21 pic.twitter.com/jk4Yu0UVwP
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) November 30, 2015
#BREAKING #COP21 pic.twitter.com/NShPJ5E2hb
— Agence France-Presse (@AFP) November 30, 2015
Also Read: Paris Climate Conference: Watch LIVE webcast here
World leaders at Paris Climate Conference. One Earth. One Family.
The rich world must take greater responsibility for climate change…my piece in @FT. https://t.co/XiLyYK4nwI
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 30, 2015
President @MaithripalaS and PM @narendramodi meet in Paris at the @COP21. #COP21 pic.twitter.com/mFrtrk6FZ0
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 30, 2015
More interactions with world leaders...President Zuma & PM @narendramodi talk on sidelines of @COP21. @SAPresident pic.twitter.com/o8HuZhNBqU
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 30, 2015
PM Modi and Bolivia's President, Mr Evo Morales greet each other.
PM @narendramodi and Bolivia's President, Mr. Evo Morales greet each other at @COP21. #COP21 pic.twitter.com/0n7xOXqDLM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 30, 2015
Also Read: Paris Climate Conference: Watch LIVE webcast here
Paris climate deal `more likely`
A climate change agreement signed by the Commonwealth has made clinching a deal at the upcoming Paris COP21 talks more likely, the 53-country organisation has said.
"The fact that we have achieved convergence and near unanimity on a very focused statement on climate change puts the possibility of a success at COP21 in better shape," Commonwealth summit host Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said at the close of a three-day gathering.
Though global warming topped the agenda at the 2015 summit, world leaders also tackled the hot-button issues of extremism, corruption and migration.
The goal is to limit average global warming to two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) over pre-Industrial Revolution levels by curbing fossil fuel emissions.
Highlights of India's climate action plan:
India's agenda to mitigate climate change titled “Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs)” was announced by Environment Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar.
The highlights are as follows:
- To reduce the emissions intensity by 33-35 percent by 2030 and achieve 40 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030.
- To propagate a healthy and sustainable way of living based on traditions and values of conservation and moderation
- To create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 through additional forest and tree cover by 2030.
Also Read: Narendra Modi holds bilateral meeting with Francois Hollande
- To better adapt to climate change by enhancing investments in development programmes in sectors vulnerable to climate change, particularly agriculture, water resources, Himalayan region, coastal regions, health and disaster management
- To mobilise domestic and new and additional funds from developed countries to implement the above mitigation and adaptation actions in view of the resource required and the resource gap.
- To build capacities, create domestic framework and international architecture for quick diffusion of cutting edge climate technology in India and for joint collaborative R&D for such future technologies
- Reflect issues of mitigation, adaptation, finance, technology transfer and capacity building.
To keep warming in check, some countries want the Paris agreement to include a commitment to decarbonise -- to reduce and ultimately phase out the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas that is blamed for climate change -- this century.
India, the world's third largest carbon emitter, is dependent on coal for most of its energy needs, and despite a pledge to expand solar and wind power has said its economy is too small and its people too poor to end use of the fossil fuel anytime soon.
India, whose 1.2 billion people produce far lower emissions per capita than the world average, in October committed to slow the rate of growth in its carbon output by a third over the next 15 years.
Also Read: Climate pledges: Who`s doing what?