G20 countries must engage in consensus driven approach to address climate change

Gandhinagar: The G20 countries must collaborate and engage in an inclusive consensus driven approach to address climate change, said  Richa Sharma, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Speaking at the second day of the 2^nd Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) meeting commenced at Gandhinagar, Gujarat she said India is commitment to facilitate tangible outcomes to build a strong foundation before passing on the baton to the Brazil Presidency.

Acknowledging the work of past Presidencies and the deliberations on the three priorities during the 1^st ECSWG, Sharma highlighted the importance of receiving inputs during the technical sessions which would help shape the outcomes for each priority.

During the meeting four presentations were made by India on water resource management through various projects including Namami Gange.

The presentations made during the session highlighted the need for efficient management of water resources to achieve the overarching UN Sustainable Development Goals and also addressed global water challenges such as climate change, population growth, and increasing water demand. 

Briefing media at Gandhinagar, Chairman, and Central Water Commission Kushvinder Vohra said that during the presentation, the work done and achievements of Namami Gange were highlighted.

He said, the delegates were apprised that due to this initiative the Dolphins are reviving and their number are increasing. Mr Vohra said, a total of 183 sewage treatment projects have been taken up under the scheme with a treatment capacity of over 5 thousand 600 million litre per day.

About the presentations made by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Additional Director General, Forest Bivas Ranjan said that presentations were made on themes including arresting land degradation and promoting Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy.

He informed that G20 countries have voluntarily committed to ecologically restore 50 per cent of the degraded land by 2040.

The representatives from G20 Countries and other participants deliberated on each of the sub themes, and appreciated India’s active involvement and engagement with the member countries for adopting an inclusive approach towards building consensus.