In News:
A bilateral meeting was held between India and Germany in New Delhi to discuss a wide range of environmental issues.
- The discussion covered areas such as climate change, water scarcity, marine & air pollution, circular economy, etc.
Key Highlights from the Meeting
- The importance of Indo-German bilateral cooperation on the environment
- India appreciated efforts made by Germany in bringing new technologies to India.
- Achievements of India in tackling climate change were also appreciated.
- Information exchange in bilateral programmes
- Both sides stressed the importance of information exchange in bilateral programmes keeping climate and SDG indicators in focus
- Various sectors for such information exchange are Agro-Ecology, Solar Partnership Inter resilience.
- Circular Economy
- India and Germany may explore strengthening bilateral cooperation, especially on the circular economy.
- It may include treatment of solid waste (solar panels, batteries), wastewater etc.
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Current Status of Cooperation on Environment
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Potential of Indo-German Cooperation on Different Issues
- Expected Indian Urban Boom
- Over half the Indian population will live in cities by 2050.
- The cooperation efforts support Indian policies to find sustainable solutions for this growing challenge in the face of limited urban resources and climate change.
- COVID Pandemic
- For over a year now, India, Germany and the entire world have been in crisis mode.
- The Covid-19 pandemic has left no country untouched.
- It is safe to say, we will either beat Covid-19 worldwide or not at all.
- Further, it also drew attention away from the climate change crisis.
- For over a year now, India, Germany and the entire world have been in crisis mode.
- Eco-Friendly Agriculture and Agroforestry
- Smart solutions are being tested in India and Germany for more self-reliance.
- It includes agroecological approaches and sustainable management of forests, soils and water.
- Experience in India has shown that these methods also boost incomes for the local population.
- They also make them less dependent on expensive fertilisers, pesticides and seeds.
- Germany is looking forward to deepening the work in this area.
- Smart solutions are being tested in India and Germany for more self-reliance.
- One Health Approach and international health policies
- Through a One Health approach, Germany wants to help tackle the challenges posed by population growth, increased mobility, shrinking habitats, industrialised farming and intensive animal husbandry.
- One Health Approach looks at the close connections between human and animal health within their shared environment.
- Complimentary Visions of EU’s Green Deal, German targets and Indian NAPCC
- The EU has adopted an ambitious Green Deal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
- It also aims to decouple economic growth from the consumption of natural resources.
- Germany recently adopted laws on reducing greenhouse gases more quickly, achieving climate neutrality by 2045.
- It will also stop the use of coal for electricity production by 2038.
- India is one of few countries that looks set to deliver on the national goals it set itself as part of the Paris agreement.
- Compared to other G20 countries, its per capita emissions are very low.
- The EU has adopted an ambitious Green Deal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
- IPCC Report and Paris Agreement
- Global warming must be kept to well under 2 degrees Celsius and, if possible, to 1.5 degrees as per IPCC.
- Back in December 2015, 195 countries joined in Paris to sign an ambitious climate agreement.
- Each of those countries must deliver on its responsibilities. Climate change, too, is a crisis that can only be beaten worldwide or not at all.
Challenges before Indo- German Relations on Environment
- Poverty v/s Environment
- India must bear in mind the development interests of its large population while implementing costly environmental projects.
- Vulnerable Global Supply Chains due to Pandemic
- Due to assertive China and Global lockdowns, the supply chains have been disrupted worldwide.
Conclusion and Way Forward
- Germany identifies Indian Contribution to the Environment and has shown faith in the democratic set up of India.
- It recognises that without India, the world will not be able to fight climate change.
- Without India, the world cannot achieve the SDGs.
- That means that India has a leading international role to play in the global race to sustainability.
- It recognises that without India, the world will not be able to fight climate change.
- Sustainable growth and climate action go hand in hand.
- India now has the opportunity to make its massive investments in infrastructure over the next 15 years climate-smart and climate-resilient.
- This will also protect the interests of the most vulnerable sections of the population.
- Innovation and Highly-trained skilled people
- Both nations have especially innovative economies and many highly-trained people.
- That potential needs to be harnessed even more now.
- Ultimately, global climate goals and the SDGs can only be achieved through cooperation between governments, the private sector, science, and civil society.
- So, each stakeholder must play its role diligently.
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Other Facts about India and Germany Relations
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Source: PIB
