India Calls for Equitable Climate Action at G20 Environmental Meeting in South Africa

India Calls for Equitable Climate Action at G20 Environmental Meeting in South Africa

Key Points:

1. Event Context:
   • The G20 Climate and Environmental Sustainability Working Group Ministerial Meeting was held in South Africa.
   • Bhupender Yadav, India’s Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, represented India at the session.
2. India’s Stand on Climate Action:
   • India urged for equitable climate action where all nations’ capacities and responsibilities are recognized.
   • The Minister stated that the G20 must act as a bridge between ambition and implementation, ensuring fairness in global climate commitments.
3. Focus on Ecosystem-Based Approaches:
   • Mr. Yadav emphasized ecosystem-based, participatory, and landscape-level conservation approaches.
   • He highlighted India’s support for biodiversity-friendly models and cautioned against commodifying biodiversity without careful evaluation.
4. Equity and Shared Responsibility:
   • India reiterated the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) under the UNFCCC framework.
   • The Minister underlined the importance of integrating climate and development goals while maintaining equity.
5. Lifestyle and Societal Approach:
   • Mr. Yadav advocated for a “whole-of-society” approach and pro-planet lifestyle (LiFE) choices to ensure sustainable outcomes.
   • He recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message at the previous G20 Summit about “going back to the basics while moving toward the future.”
6. India’s Broader Vision:
   • India’s approach aligns with its Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) and Panchamrit commitments announced at COP26.
   • It emphasizes sustainable consumption, inclusive growth, and climate justice.

Static Data for Revision:

• G20 Members: 19 countries + European Union + African Union (as permanent member since 2023)
• India’s Presidency: 2023
• UNFCCC Principle: Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC)
• Mission LiFE: Launched by PM Modi at COP26, Glasgow (2021)
  
  Updated - October 17, 2025 8:22 AM | News On Air