A study by the think tank Council for Energy Environment and Water projects said that for India to achieve the net zero target even by 2070, usage of coal, especially for power generation, will need to peak by 2040 and drop by 99% between 2040 and 2060. The consumption of crude oil across sectors will need to peak by 2050 and fall substantially by 90% between 2050 and 2070.

India’s long-term position in climate talks has always been that it will eschew the use of fossil fuels but only gradually because it cannot compromise on development, which is now primarily reliant on coal. Also because it goes against the core principle of “common but differentiated responsibility” that requires developed countries, which are responsible for the climate crisis, to take on deeper cuts and pay developing countries for the environmental damage from rising temperature as well as finance their transition to clean energy sources.

However, the U.S, and EU delegations, in recent months, had several meetings with the Indian officials to chart out a more ambitious pathway to cut emissions.

“All options are on the platter,” a senior official who will be representing India at Glasgow told The Hindu , “but it will depend on how the negotiations will progress and whether we will be able to move ahead on getting developed countries to honour their commitments”.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to be in Glasgow for the Leaders’ Summit on the first two days.

At least 120 heads of state have confirmed their participation.

India, U.K. dialogue

India and the United Kingdom have agreed to strengthen climate initiatives and further their green partnership, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said on Friday.

(With inputs from PTI)

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