The global economic declines can be tempting excuses for most to put ecological concerns aside, says the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). But India is moving purposefully towards sustainable development, understanding the fierce urgency for economically sound, socially equitable and environmentally responsible progress.
At a time when renewables comprise just 11.5% of energy source in the United States, India’s renewables account for 32% of the country’s total electricity generation capacity. Even China and Japan trail behind India at 21 % and 20 %, respectively. Recent reports suggest the share of renewables in the Indian electricity market is expected to rise to 15% by 2030 from less than the current 5% .
For developing countries like India, the global economic slowdown is an avenue for replacing archaic infrastructures and upgrading and building transportation, communication, energy and water systems in a sustainable manner. “The flip side of the coin is the enormous economic, social and environmental benefits likely to arise from combating climate change and re-investing in natural infrastructure – benefits ranging from new green jobs in clean tech and clean energy businesses up to ones in sustainable agriculture and conservation-based enterprises,” says UNEP Executive Director, Achim Steiner, in a bid to offer up a sustainable solution for the current global crisis.
Barack Obama’s election as the president of the United States is also expected to bolster India’s renewable energy plans. The 44th US President believes the US should be involved in partnerships with developing countries, such as India and China, to provide funding and access to intellectual property that they need and desire. The President-elect understands that tackling the global challenge of climate change requires US leadership, and has reconfirmed his campaign promise to invest $15 billion a year in low-carbon energy, including solar, wind, nuclear and next-generation biofuels.
(Green Energy Summit 2009, United Nations Environment Programme)
