Open source approach needed in climate change innovation; technology and finance critical to achieving SDGs: Prakash Javadekar

The World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2020, flagship event of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), was inaugurated by Shri Prakash Javadekar, Hon’ble Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), recently, at the India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi. 

The three-day event will address the theme, ‘Towards 2030 Goals: Making the Decade Count’. As a leading forum on sustainability issues, the Summit will announce the launch of the Indo-Swiss partnership on tackling air pollution, and also release a plethora of reports including a roadmap for zero-carbon steel sector and tapping the potential for floating solar plants in India. WSDS 2020 will also host the SEED India Hub, a collaboration of TERI with UN Environment, UN Development and IUCN to support eco-inclusive entrepreneurship in India.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Javadekar highlighted the gap between promise and action by developed countries, saying, “Developing countries should have received $1 trillion in assistance from developed countries as per commitments made in Copenhagen nearly a decade ago. Much of that has not yet been received.” The minister exhorted the developed countries to step up their contributions to climate action, saying, “Unless we address the main issues of finance and technology, we cannot achieve a just world order. We need an open source approach for climate change innovation and should not profit while tackling a disaster.” 

The minister added that India is setting a new example of how multilateral agreements should be followed.  He cited India’s efforts that include increase of 13,000 sq. km in forest cover in 4 years; providing US$7 billion to all states for aggressive afforestation; efforts to exceed 30-35% reduction in emission intensity; scaling up solar target to 450 GW; and programmes to restore land and air and waste management. 

Talking about how the Summit, one of the largest of its kind dedicated to accelerating the pursuit of sustainable development, has evolved over the years, Mr Nitin Desai, Chairman, TERI, said, “WSDS bridges development and environment. It is a practical expression of integration to achieve sustainable development.” 

At the inaugural ceremony, the Hon’ble Minister felicitated Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs, University Professor and Director, Center for Sustainable Development, Columbia University, with the Sustainable Development Leadership Award 2020 for championing the cause of sustainable development at the global, national, and local levels, with a special focus on the most vulnerable, and enabling the integration of sustainable development and climate change issues in policies and actions. 

Addressing the gathering, Dr Mathur said, “Under the broad theme of Towards 2030 Goals: Making the Decade Count, WSDS 2020 seeks to establish the terms of the discourse for the decade ahead by weaving together the many strands of action, thought and discussions.”

Since its inception in 2001, WSDS has been a significant platform for showcasing India’s plans, policies, priorities and actions by identifying the most topical issues, of environment and sustainability. Over the years, many collaborations and partnerships that have been fostered and, during the course of the three-day event, new ones will be launched and conceived.