Prime minister Narendra Modi on Monday called for a paradigm shift in global attitudes towardsclimate change, from "carbon credit" to "green credit" while chairing the first meeting of the new look council on climate change. Modi said that all key infrastructure activities should be 'climate sensitive' to limit its impact on environment.
The council discussed issues such as preparation of intended nationally determined contributions (INDC) for the Paris climate summit later this year. It also spoke on ways to project India's achievements on climate action on the world stage.
According to sources in the government, the council is looking at focussing on areas such as coastal management, wind energy, waste to energy and health in the climate action plan. Almost 21 states have also sent their proposals for review.of the state action plans.
Speaking on the council meet, Union minister of environment, forests and climate change Prakash Javadekar said, "We briefed the council on the climate talks in Lima and in the meetings ahead we will chart out the plan for Paris summit."
Javadekar was non-committal on US president Barack Obama's upcoming visit and expectations of renewable energy deals.
On solar energy, Modi suggested to the council that a consortium of all nations with solar energy potential should come together. "The PM has thought that equatorial countries can come together to exchange technological know-how and to better harness the potential of solar energy."
Among other points of discussion, Modi also called for a review in the curricula of architecture and engineering colleges for promoting energy efficient buildings.
