Nov 1, 2021 - Energy & Climate

COP26: India pledges net zero emissions by 2070

Yacob Reyes

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Photo: Alastair Grant - Pool/Getty Images

India will cut its carbon emissions to net zero by 2070, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged at the COP26 climate summit Monday.

Why it matters: This is the first time the country has committed to net zero emissions and comes amid a broader discussion among global leaders to address climate change.

India is the fourth-largest emitter of carbon dioxide, behind China, the United States and the European Union, according to data from Climate Action Tracker.
Modi also pledged to increase its non-fossil energy capacity to 500 gigawatts by 2030 — up from the country's initial 450 gigawatts target — and called on developed countries to direct $1 trillion to climate financing.
It's a departure from a Wednesday statement by India's top environmental official dismissing the need for a net zero target.

What they're saying: "I am sure that the decisions taken in Glasgow will safeguard the future of generations to come and give them a safe and prosperous life," Modi said at the summit.

Go deeper: What to know about COP26 in Glasgow

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COP26: India pledges net zero emissions by 2070

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