Gandhinagar, Sep 18 (Reporter) Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav called for thoughtful use of fossil fuels, saying, "India has made significant progress in reducing carbon emissions, despite its diverse geography". Yadav was speaking at the plenary session of Re-Invest Summit 2024 on 'India's Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions' at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on Wednesday. The Union Minister highlighted that India represents 17% of the world's population but only accounts for 5% of global emissions. "In comparison, 17% of the population in developed countries contributes to 60% of emissions. India’s per capita consumption remains low and the energy needs of developing countries must be considered", he added. India has made significant progress in reducing carbon emissions, despite facing challenges such as its diverse geography, Yadav further said. He stated that India is the only G20 country to have achieved two out of three quantitative Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) targets of the Paris Agreement nine years ahead of schedule. "India has taken climate action for development growth and to achieve human development outcomes" the Union Minister added. Yadav noted that to ensure sustainability, countries should develop action plans that prioritize equity, ensuring that health, justice, and prosperity are available to everyone. "This approach will promote social equity and facilitate inclusive, sustainable economic growth while safeguarding natural resources for future generations, he said. Expressing confidence that the private sector engagement would hold the key for achieving the Net Zero ambition, the Union Minister said, "By 2070 by strengthening renewable grids, developing low carbon technology, and managing demand side issues". "There is a need for rational utilization of fossil fuel resources with due diligence and development of integrated efficient and inclusive low carbon transport systems" he said. Yadav mentioned that for capacity building, climate finance must be defined accordingly. The Ministry of Energy has put forth the idea of a carbon market and initiated the Green Climate fund to build capacity. He said, "the economic viability of capacity building and technology transfer holds the key to developing renewable energy markets". The three-day summit was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 16. The summit was organised to showcase India's remarkable achievement of over 200 GW of installed non-fossil fuel capacity. It is also poised to highlight India's impressive progress in renewable energy manufacturing and deployment...////...