“We need to take every action at the same time”- Suresh Prabhu
22 Nov 2022 11:59:20
On 23rd November 2023 while speaking in an online session organised by ‘The Sustainability Foundation- Denmark’ India’s ex-Minister of Civil Aviation, Railways, Commerce & Industry during the Modi Government and Minister of Energy during Vajpayee government Shri. Suresh Prabhu expressed his concerns about climate change. He also said, “We need to take every action at the same time. Unfortunately, the time is not on our side.”
Suresh Prabhu while addressing the audience said that, there have been climate change since the past but it was natural and hence many leaders believe that current climate change is also a natural process. He stressed that many scientific studies through various organizations like IPCC have proved that post-industrialization had adverse effects on the climate, and it is primarily through human actions. He also said that 1.5°C is a safer idea and not the best solution to curb climate change. While talking, with various examples of rivers drying in some parts of the world and floods in other parts, he explained how the extremity of climate-related calamities is increasing. He also raised the concern that the worst is yet to come. In the case of India, he said that we are using more groundwater and most of which is used for farming. Hence it is a part of livelihood and not leisure.
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During his speech, he shared India’s agenda with the audience where he told how India recently changed its energy mix. He told the audience India is focusing on solar and wind energy. He also said that some people are questioning if solar is the only available option. He acknowledged that, though nuclear energy can also become a green energy option there are two major concerns associated with nuclear energy; first is the safety and second is the disposal of nuclear waste, otherwise nuclear energy emits no greenhouse gas. He highlighted the importance of forests as they act as carbon sinks. So even with comparatively high carbon emissions, with large amounts of forest, this carbon emission can be settled and also forests are important for biodiversity.
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He also enlightened the audience about the recent COP27. He himself had led India during past COPs. He said that in the recent conference world has accepted loss and damage funds, which is a part of the Polluters Pays Principle. He explained what is mitigation and adaptation. He said, “Current climate change is because of past emissions.” He emphasised that adaptation is accepting climate change and making life eco-friendly, but it requires resources. That is why PPP becomes important for developing countries.