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Synopsis: India and Germany have innovative economies and many highly-trained people. There is a need to harness this potential, especially to fight climate change.
Introduction
The Covid-19 pandemic has left no country untouched. It is safe to say, we will either beat Covid-19 worldwide or not at all. The virus briefly drew attention away from another crisis — climate change and its impact.
Climate change could even stop the world from achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Why India can play greater role in the fight against climate change?
Low per capita emission: India is set to deliver on the national goals it set itself as part of the Paris Agreement. Compared to other G20 countries, its per capita emissions are very low.
Development interests of large population: India now has the opportunity to make its massive investments in infrastructure over the next 15 years climate-smart and climate-resilient.
Leading international role to play: Without India, the world will not be able to fight climate change and achieve SDGs.
How India and Germany collaboration can beat climate change?
Germany recently adopted laws to achieve climate neutrality by 2045 and stopping the use of coal for electricity production by 2038.
Indo-German development cooperation focuses on three areas:
1). The transition to renewable energies.
2). Sustainable urban development
3). Sustainable management of natural resources.
India-Germany cooperation: Germany and India can collaborate for greening their own economy and also support other countries.
In 2015, India’s Prime Minister and Germany’s Federal Chancellor agreed to further strengthen the two countries’ strategic partnership.
Knowledge sharing technology transfer and financial solutions: Over half the Indian population will live in cities by 2050. These cooperation efforts support Indian policies in the face of limited urban resources and climate change.
Self-reliance: The pandemic has shown global supply chains are vulnerable. There are smart solutions in agriculture and natural resources that are being tested in India and Germany including agro-ecological approaches and sustainable management of forests, soils and water.
One Health approach: India and Germany can help tackle the challenges posed by population growth, increased mobility, shrinking habitats, industrialised farming and intensive animal husbandry.
Source: This post is based on the article “How India and Germany can work together to tackle climate change” published in Indian Express on 10th September 2021.
