This is the first time so many countries got together to ink a pack on the first day of the signing ceremony, the United Nations said on Friday.
Hailing the signing of the Paris agreement on climate change by 171 nations as "historic", Union Minister of State for Environment, Forests and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar said it is a triumph of collective wisdom, and reiterated that India will reduce emission intensity by 35%.
"On this Earth Day, we have made history; 171 countries have signed the Paris agreement, which is the triumph of collective wisdom," he said.
Congratulating UN Secretary General, the French Presidency and world leaders, Javadekar said, "The agreement explicitly highlights the benefits of 'Sustainable Lifestyle'. We have to stop extravagant consumption. If we continue in the same way, we will require three planets, while we have, only one."
"This is an impetus for operationalising our vision of 'Climate Justice', enshrined in the Preamble of the Paris Agreement. Full application will ensure that developing world and poor people get justice under the current climate regime," he said.
Addressing the signing ceremony, Javadekar said India reiterates its pledge to reduce emission intensity by 35% and build 40% capacity for power generation from non fossil fuels.
He further said India would create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 billion tonnes and invest in reducing its vulnerability and enhancing adaptation to climate change.
Javadekar said, "India has already started on the road to achieve. In a revolutionary measure, we have taxed coal at the rate of $6 per tonne, and we will invest the monies in clean environment."
"If the world follows India on this, it will generate the elusive $100 billion much early, and more easily, he said, adding that India has undertaken a huge renewable energy program of 175 GW.
"I am happy to announce that we have already achieved 40 GW. We have blended one billion litres of ethanol, and intend to double it next year, without changing the land use. We have taxed polluting vehicles and are providing subsidy for electric and hybrid vehicles," he added.
"We have distributed 100 million LED bulbs. We have made them cheaper by 80% from USD4.7 to $0.8. India will save 80 million tonnes of carbon equivalent per annum, when we will complete LED programme of one billion lights, and for afforestation we are providing $10 billion in the next five years," said Javadekar.
Urban public transport, which is presently 300 kilometres and 2 million passengers, will increase to 1300 km and 10 million passengers in three years. We are replacing energy inefficient pumps with efficient pumps, and we will give it free to our farmers,? he said.
"Ratification of Paris will happen quickly. But ratification of second commitment period of Kyoto is urgent and needs to be done immediately. Developed world must take enhanced targets for 016-2020. There cannot be 'Action Holiday,' said the minister, adding: "We should cooperate on Clean Actions, competitiveness concerns should not overshadow our common learesolve to build a sustainable future."
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