And for a Friday with many flight disruptions due to adverse weather and impact of climate change, some thoughts….. some musings…..
With less than a month to go before President Trump takes over, one of the major uncertainties the world faces is the future of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. As per article 9 of the Agreement, developed countries are mandated to provide financial resources to the developing and poorer countries of Global South for mitigating carbon emissions and embracing a total framework of sustainable development. If the US withdraws, at the prevailing economic conditions of Europe and other rich nations, the entire initiative of Climate Change is at grave risk.
India is committed to implement all the climate goals promised by 2030. The perils of climate change is too severe on us to neglect. Changing weather patterns, rising sea levels and most importantly erratic and unseasonal rainfall in which our entire Kharif Agricultural crops depend. We need to go ahead with all the climate initiatives, irrespective of any hurdles/challenges thrown at us. National Green Hydrogen mission launched in July 2023 with a budget allocation of 19,774 crores aims to make India a global leader in production, use and export of Green Hydrogen. Very simply put, Green Hydrogen is electrolysis of splitting water molecule into Hydrogen and Oxygen using renewable energy. The challenge is to reduce costs from current levels of US$ 4.5 to about 0.9 to 1.2 $s. Indian researchers and corporates are quite capable and working towards that goal. Blessed with abundant sunlight, wind and other natural resources, our Renewable Energy and Nuclear programmes too will help us reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Our import bills will reduce substantially and wipe off our trade deficit and Indian currency will be amongst the most sought after.
India will lead and support the Global South to meet the challenges of Climate Change. Let us all cooperate, the endearing way, the sustainable way, the SEEGOS way.