The World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) is an annual event coordinated by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). Previously known as the Delhi Sustainable Development Summit, it has been operational since 2000. Notably, it’s the only summit taking place in the developing world that addresses global issues.
The primary goal of WSDS is to facilitate action towards sustainable development and climate change. It brings together global leaders from various fields related to sustainable development, energy, and environment.
TERI itself is a non-profit research institute. Founded in 1974 as the Tata Energy Research Institute, it transitioned into The Energy Resources Institute in 2003. Its focus lies in conducting research work regarding energy, environment, and sustainable development in India and the Global South.
India’s Stance at the Summit
During the Summit, India highlighted several key points and initiatives. These revolved around equitable energy access, reducing emissions, international recognition for conservational efforts, land restoration, and coordinated actions for sustainability.
Equitable Energy Access: India mentioned its commitment to providing equal energy access for the poor. Around 90 million households reportedly gained access to clean cooking fuel under the Ujjwala Yojana scheme. Additionally, the PM-KUSUM scheme encourages farmers to install solar panels, promoting equity and sustainability.
Reducing Emissions: India discussed its LED bulbs distribution scheme (UJALA) which has been active for over seven years. This initiative has reportedly saved about 220 billion units of electricity and prevented 180 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
Conservation Initiatives: India received international recognition for its efforts in conservation from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). As a result of these efforts, India now hosts 49 Ramsar sites (wetlands) spread across more than 1 million hectares.
Restoration of Degraded Land and the National Hydrogen Mission
India pinned restoring degraded land as one of its primary areas of focus since 2015. This effort led to the restoration of more than 11.5 million hectares of land, affirming India’s progress towards achieving Land Degradation Neutrality under the Bonn Challenge. Also mentioned was the National Hydrogen Mission that aims to harness ‘green hydrogen’.
Coordinated Actions for Sustainable Development
India stated that sustainable development requires coordinated global action. Accordingly, India’s International Solar Alliance aims for a ‘One Sun, One World, One Grid’ approach. Additionally, India urged countries to act based on globally agreed rules considering equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities.
Infrastructure for Resilient Island States and the LIFE Initiative
India raised its concerns about infrastructure in areas prone to frequent natural disasters via the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (C.D.R.I.). India also introduced an initiative called ‘Infrastructure for Resilient Island States’ alongside CoP-26. Lastly, India launched the Lifestyle For Environment (LIFE) initiative, which promotes sustainable lifestyles through a coalition of like-minded individuals.
Sustainable Development and Climate Change
Sustainable development is defined as the kind of development that does not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs while meeting the needs of the present. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to achieve a better future for all.
Climate change involves long-term changes in average weather patterns that define Earth’s local, regional, and global climates. This can result in a variety of consequences such as temperature increases, rising sea levels, ice loss, and changes in the frequency and severity of extreme weather.
