India’s per capita carbon emissions less than half of global average: PM
New Delhi, Sep 19, 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India’s contribution to per capita carbon emissions is less than half of the global average. Inaugurating the International Conference on the Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics in New Delhi today, Mr Modi said that developing countries have often been unfairly held responsible for carbon emissions. He highlighted that India is the only country in the G-20 that has successfully fulfilled the commitments made at the COP-21 Summit in Paris ahead of schedule. The Prime Minister said, over the past twelve years, India has made extraordinary progress in every field related to the environment.
Prime Minister Modi said India is working with the rest of the world and setting new standards for environmental protection through initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, Global Biofuels Alliance, International Big Cat Alliance and Mission LiFE. Mr Modi said that over the past twelve years, India has made extraordinary progress in every field related to the environment. The Prime Minister said, India’s major focus has been on renewable energy, and played a significant role in environmental protection.
Prime Minister Modi said that India is rapidly working in areas like clean mobility and green hydrogen today. He highlighted that India’s wind energy capacity has witnessed three times growth in the last 12 years. Mr Modi emphasized that new India is also focusing on nuclear energy generation.
On the occasion, Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant said that the idea of preserving the Earth existed in the country much before the emergence of environmental tribunals, regulatory mechanisms and compliance frameworks. He underlined the importance of the fundamental duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures. The Chief Justice said that India’s Constitution is not merely a political document but also a moral commitment towards past, present and future generations.
Speaking on the occasion, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav said that India’s approach to environmental responsibility is deeply rooted in its ancient civilizational ethos, which regards the Earth not as a possession but as a shared inheritance and a sacred trust. He said non-fossil fuel sources now account for more than 54 percent of India’s installed electricity capacity, surpassing the earlier target. Mr Yadav said India ranks third globally in renewable energy installed capacity and is the world’s second-largest solar growth market. Mr. Yadav added that these achievements demonstrate that economic growth and determined climate action can progress together.
On wildlife conservation, the Minister said India’s efforts are not limited to protecting individual animals but are aimed at safeguarding the entire ecological balance. He said the populations of key species, including tigers, lions and elephants, have increased significantly, while efforts are also being intensified to conserve vultures and the Great Indian Bustard. Mr. Yadav also highlighted India’s efforts towards conservation and restoration of forests, grasslands and wetlands.
The two-day conference is being organised by the National Green Tribunal. It has brought together environmental experts, judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, and District Court judges. It will also bring together eminent judges and judicial representatives from 17 countries. The Conference will provide a platform to exchange judicial approaches, scientific knowledge, environmental governance practices and institutional experiences. During the conference, participants will discuss key environmental and climate challenges, including gaps in policy formulation, implementation and enforcement. The conference will also explore ways to strengthen environmental governance and institutional cooperation.