India has vowed to cut emissions to net zero by 2070 – the first time the country has ever agreed to the crucial target.
But the promise marks a disappointing start to COP26 which aims to get all world leaders to commit to 2050.
Scientists have warned the world needs to reach net zero carbon emissions in 29 years in order to limit global warming to 1.5C.
Billions across the globe face catastrophic consequences if this does not happen, including rising seas and extreme weather.
India is the world’s third biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, following China, which has pledged to hit net zero by 2060, and the US which is aiming for 2050.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted his country contains 17% of the world’s population but is responsible for only 5% of global emissions in a speech at the summit this afternoon.
India has ‘spared no efforts in fulfilling its duty’ to tackle climate change, he told the audience.
The politician said India would increase its non-fossil energy capacity to 500 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 and it will get half of its energy from renewable resources by the same date.
He also pledged to reduce projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes between now and 2030, and reduce the carbon intensity of India’s economy by 45%.
He said: ‘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.’
Speaking in front of Joe Biden and Boris Johnson, Mr Modi demanded developed countries make one trillion US dollars available as climate finance ‘as soon as possible’.
He apologised for overrunning on his allotted slot, saying ‘it is my duty to raise my voice for developing countries’.
Net zero means achieving a balance between the carbon emitted into the atmosphere, and the carbon removed from it.
Developing countries including India and China have previously pushed back against the 2050 target, saying richer nations who caused historic emissions should cut emissions earlier.
COP26 officials were left surprised by India’s 2070 target as reports last week suggested the country would reject a net zero pledge completely.
They said the 2030 targets were significant and could mean the country hits the net-zero goal before its planned date.
Reacting to the news, Ulka Kelkar, director of the World Resources Institute (WRI) India, said the pledges were significantly more ambitious than its current national climate plans under the Paris Agreement.
She said: ‘These will take the country on a low-carbon development pathway and give strong signals to every sector of industry and society.
‘Meeting these targets will not be a simple matter and will require additional investments and supporting policies.’
Meanwhile, Lord Stern, who wrote a key economic review of climate change, said India had a ‘track record of action and ambitious targets’.
He added: ‘The rich world must respond to prime minister Modi’s challenge to deliver a strong increase in international climate finance.’
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