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PM Narendra Modi's 'Mann ki Baat' in sync with upcoming Paris climate change convention

"The world is concerned about climate change. Checking global warming is everyone's responsibility and energy conservation is the best way to curb rising temperature," Modi said.

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Ahead of his visit to the 21st Conference of Parties of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change –the COP21 in Paris–Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday drew the nation's attention towards climate change and global warming in the 14th episode of his 'Mann Ki Baat'. Talking about the recent floods in Tamil Nadu, which has claimed around 170 lives and caused massive property damage in the state, Modi in his bi-monthly radio address said the tragedy was a result of a growing global warming that is causing an unexpected climate change in the world.  "It is painful when there are crises during festivals. I have faith in the strength of Tamil Nadu that the state will recover soon and will play its role in taking the country ahead," he said in his 27-minute talk.

"The world is concerned about climate change. Checking global warming is everyone's responsibility and energy conservation is the best way to curb rising temperature," Modi said. Talking about increasing pollution levels in the country–another causative factor for climate change –Modi stressed on educating farmers on the ill-effects of burning post-harvest crop stubble. "Our farmers are no less than scientists, we need to train them and make them aware of the impact of burning crop stubble," Modi said, adding that the top layer of the soil is damaged in the process destroying the fertility of the soil in the process. The leftover of farming is also of great use, it is a fertiliser and organic food in itself that can be used for better crop yield and will also be of use to farmers. It can also be used as animal food, he said. 

Modi was referring to the recent crop stubble burning by Punjab farmers that had submerged a major portion of northern India, including Delhi, in a thick haze for days. The incident had got international attention, with NASA taking note of the fires and the fog that added to Delhi's existing pollution. As part of his climate change measures, he encouraged usage of renewable sources of energy, Modi gave an example of a Noor Jehan from Kanpur, who is using solar energy to provide light to the poor. "She has formed a committee of women and has set up a plant of solar energy lanterns. For a minimal cost of Rs. 100, she rents out the lanterns," Modi said. The Prime Minister, who along with a 25-member delegate will leave for Paris in the later half of Sunday for the 12-day conference, talked about the meeting in a series of tweets, the first of which read, "Leaving for Paris, where I will join @COP21. In the Summit, we will deliberate on crucial issues relating to environment & climate change.

He also said at the COP21, he would inaugurate the India Pavilion, "showcasing India's harmony with nature, environment & commitment to mitigate climate change", and that he would also jointly host a meeting of International Solar Alliance with French President Francois Hollande and attend the 'Mission Innovation' hosted by US President Barack Obama. India has set a target of availing 175 giga watt of power through renewable resources by 2022. Talking about rising natural disasters –another side effect of environmental degradation –Modi said SAARC nations should come together to work on disaster preparedness. "After the Nepal earthquake, I told Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif that the SAARC nations should conduct a joint exercise to prepare for natural disasters," he said.

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