The Energy and Resources Institute (Teri) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) organised a high-level panel discussion on green growth and development in India last evening. Discussions were held around insights and recommendations at the national level, and in the states of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, to move in the direction of inclusive green growth and sustainable development, the institute said in a statement.
The national-level modelling assessment projects that one of the development benefits as a result of green growth interventions can be reduced poverty as well as additional employment creation of 11.7 million, of which 7.9 million could be skilled jobs. The national study also highlighted the need for capacity building for implementation and data collection for decision-making related to environmental sustainability.
Prakash Javadekar, minister of environment, forests and climate change, who addressed the discussion through a video message, emphasised on the need to look at the "polluter pays" principle as one of the ways of tackling climate change, adding that India is ready and forthcoming to be part of the solution for addressing the issue of climate change.
Suresh Prabhu, minister of railways, who was present on the occasion, emphasised on the importance of creating knowledge in collaboration with government agencies, highlighting that “there is a need for voluntary compliance along with regulatory measures”. He also mentioned the need for process innovations in manufacturing, services and transport sectors to adapt to the changing scenario.
Panel discussions focused on the need for considering equity and governance mechanisms with stronger institutions and capacity building at the central and state levels; and the need for common but differentiated responsibilities and sustainable development goals to be the key drivers for green growth. Suneel Pandey (director, Green Growth and Resource Efficiency) highlighted the necessity for interdisciplinary integrated assessments for creating policy advocacy.
Discussions on finance for green growth in India revolved around introducing policy reforms with focus on accessing finance through project proposals, especially for state governments. Ajay Mathur (director-general, Bureau of Energy Efficiency) said there is an urgent requirement for creating demand and sustaining demand for green growth products and initiatives.
