Ahead of COP26
which opened in Glasgow, Scotland on Sunday, India called upon developed
countries that have “enjoyed the fruits of energy” to reach net zero carbon
emission targets faster in order to allow developing countries some “carbon
space” which in turn will help achieve an overall balance between greenhouse
gas emissions produced and emissions taken out of the atmosphere.

Also Read | India, UK to launch global solar grid project at COP26

Piyush Goyal, a cabinet
minister in the Narendra Modi-led government, will represent India in COP26.
Addressing the media prior to the summit, Goyal said that India will “represent
the voice of the developing world” at the 26th Conference of Parties
as the country fights climate change to ensure a better planet for future
generations.

Also Read | COP26: Britain names an Antarctic glacier ‘Glasgow’ ahead of climate summit

“Developed nations
have enjoyed the fruits of energy and they will need to go for net zero faster,
so that developing nations have some carbon space. For now, there is no adequate
technology to absorb large amount of clean energy into grids. There is a need
to look at more technology and innovation before we can identify the year (for achieving
net zero), said Goyal.

Also Read | Despite decades of climate talks; Earth got hotter and deadlier

The senior
minister added that India has been pushing to safeguard the interests of the
developing world. “For the first time, G20 has identified sustainable and
responsible consumption as critical enablers for achieving climate goals,” said
Goyal.

Also Read | COP26: Protesters slam London banks for financing climate catastrophe

The Group of 20
(G20) Summit, a meeting of the world’s top 20 economies, immediately preceded
the COP26. In the Rome Declaration released after the G20 Summit, the grouping
welcomed $45 billion worth pledges as a step towards a total global ambition of
$100 billion in voluntary contributions for countries in need.

Alok Sharma, the
president of COP26, said in his opening speech that the conference is the “last,
best hope” for the world to contain global warming to 1.5°C. Meanwhile, Prime
Minister Narendra Modi arrived Glasgow on Monday. Upon arriving in Scotland, he
was greeted by the Indian community with great pomp. COP26 will run till
November 12.