(Image source from: Solar energy to beat climate change})

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the first meeting of the PM's Council on Climate Change. He suggested that nations that have the greatest solar energy potential should form a consortium. They should all join hands with India for innovation and cutting-edge research that would reduce the cost of solar energy, making it more accessible to the people, he added. He asked for concept papers from Ministries on some areas which needed to be integrated into climate change missions like health, coastal management, urban waste and wind energy.

Mr. Modi, in his speech to members, called for a paradigm shift in global attitudes towards climate change from “carbon credit” towards “green credit.” Global awareness on climate change is an opportunity to improve the quality of life of the people. It should focus on what India had done for clean energy generation, energy conservation and energy efficiency, and what more could be done in these areas, instead of emissions and cuts alone. Prime Minister wanted existing climate missions to be more integrated, efficient and effective. The solar mission could integrate wind power and hybrids. Should think on waste to energy projects as well.

By Premji