India has set an example for mindful consumption turning earth green: Environment minister

Union Environment Bhupender Yadav said India has set an example before the world of how mindful consumption of natural resources can turn the earth green.

Speaking at the 'Hariyali Mahotsav' in Delhi, he said India is home to 17% of the global population and accounts for only 4% of the global carbon emissions. The BJP leader declared that the ban on single-use plastic items which was enforced on July 1 has received the support of everyone.

The Hariyali Mahotsav is being held to create awareness about the importance of trees and green cover. Along with 75 city forests, the initiative also includes the construction of 75 km of road length around 75 police establishments and schools in the city.

The minister added that India has "diligently worked" to achieve its targets set at the UN climate conference in 2015. He was talking about the 175 GW renewable capacity set in 2015 in Paris (climate conference). "We have now set a target to increase renewable capacity to 500 gigawatts by 2030".

Speaking about the biodiversity of the nation, Yadav said India is home to all Asiatic lions and 60% of tigers and elephants. He added that the country has 52 national tiger reserves and 32 elephant reserves.

Backing his colleague, minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey stated that the overexploitation of natural resources by the western world has created challenges for the present generation. "Per capita emissions in India stand at half a tonne as against the global average of four tonnes," he added.

Choubey further said India is not responsible for climate change but has accepted the challenge to fight it.