“As Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has often said that we must always bear in mind that we are only ‘trustees’ of this planet and not owners of the same”, stated Union Environment Minister, Shri Bhupender Yadav, in Cape Town today. He was delivering India’s Closing Statement at the G20 Climate and Environmental Sustainability Working Group Ministerial Meeting, in South Africa. The Minister conveyed India’s deep appreciation of the Republic of South Africa for exhibiting exemplary leadership, and putting in tireless efforts to brainstorm on complex and varied environmental issues.

In his address, Shri Yadav remembered Mahatma Gandhi and stated, “Truth- not only spoken and heard, but also accepted. And today, we must accept the truth that Climate Change, Environmental degradation are real challenges before us”. The Minister added that challenges that confront the globe can be countered only through a spirit of cooperation, collaboration and commitment. Reiterating his observations from his opening remarks at the Summit, Shri Yadav stated that a decade of Paris Agreement, and the work done thereunder, shows that nothing is impossible. India’s experience demonstrates that development and environmental protection can advance hand in hand through a pro-planet, pro-people model.

The Minister reminded the gathering that the G20 Nations represent over 80% of the Global GDP and human population, and thus is under a responsibility to work together as a team to especially address the developmental needs of the Global South. He said, “Our approach to dealing with diverse environmental issues has to be pragmatic and inspiring. Pragmatic – so as to take into account the respective national circumstances, capacities and responsibilities. Inspiring- because we have a duty towards future generations”.

Recounting India’s achievements in Climate Change adaptation, Shri Yadav informed that the country has raised its non-fossil electric generation capacity to over 50% in 2025, achieving the revised NDC target 5 years in advance. To quote one example, he stated, our installed solar capacity itself grew from 2.8 Giga Watts in 2014 to 127 Giga Watt in 2025 registering an increase of 45 times in the last 11 years. It shows, where there is a will, there is a way. As Late Sh. Nelson Mandela said, ‘It always seems impossible, until it’s done’, the Minister added.

Shri Yadav concluded his address by calling everyone “to draw inspiration from these great personalities, accept the truth, stay united, trust each other and together work to make lives of our people beautiful and to save our planet”.

 

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