The Prime Minister of India has recently been presented with the Global Energy and Environment Leadership Award by Cambridge Energy Research Associates (CERA). This prestigious award is a testament to his dedication in enhancing India’s role in sustainable development to meet both national and global future energy demands. During the CERAWeek conference, the Prime Minister underlined India’s measures towards combating climate change and aiming for clean fuel.
About the CERAWeek Global Energy and Environment Leadership Award
This award was established in 2016 to acknowledge leadership in the area of global energy and environment. It highlights those who have proposed solutions and policies towards energy access, affordability, and environmental stewardship.
Cambridge Energy Research Associates (CERA)
Based in the United States, CERA is a consulting firm which provides expert guidance to governments and private companies on matters related to energy markets, geopolitics, industry trends, and strategy.
CERAWeek Conference
CERAWeek was first held in 1983, initiated by Dr. Daniel Yergin. The conference takes place annually in Houston, USA, every March. Known as an international gathering for energy industry leaders, experts, government officials and policymakers, and leaders from the technology, financial and industrial communities, it also includes energy technology innovators. The 2021 CERAWeek was conducted virtually from 1st to 5th March, with the theme of “The New Map: Energy, Climate, and Charting the Future.”
Prime Minister’s Address Highlights
In his address at the conference, the Prime Minister discussed several key initiatives taken by India to achieve climate justice. These included:
– National Hydrogen Mission: An initiative to drive hydrogen production and usage in the country.
– PM KUSUM: A scheme designed to assist farmers install solar pumps and grid-connected solar power plants.
– Bharat – 6 Emission Norms: Standards set for vehicular emissions.
– Give It Up Subsidy Movement: An appeal to wealthier citizens to voluntarily give up their LPG subsidy.
– SATAT initiatives: Efforts to boost compressed bio-gas production.
– Use of modern techniques of irrigation and organic farming.
– Blending of ethanol to reduce the country’s oil imports.
– International Solar Alliance: To promote solar energy globally.
– India’s commitment towards the Paris Climate Accord: An international treaty to limit global warming.
The Prime Minister further discussed Mahatma Gandhi’s Principle of Trusteeship, centering on collectivism, compassion, and responsibility. The concept symbolized the belief that we inherit the earth from our ancestors to pass it on to our successors.