Rise of Indian leadership in climate policymaking, 7 Indians gets a spot in ‘Climate 100’
New Delhi, Mar 22: India’s fundamental principle is of ‘coexistence’. The exploitation of nature is against Indian philosophy. So, the preservation of nature is something that is intrinsically part of our ethos. Echoing this philosophy through their work, Seven Indian environment leaders make their own position in ‘Apolitical’ list of “Climate 100: The world’s most influential people in Climate Change’.
In the last few years, India saw a massive proliferation of renewable energy through the world’s largest renewable energy expansion programme. India’s contribution to Greener alternatives and transforming energy resources is earning global recognition.
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Let's meet the Indians who are among the ‘Climate 100’ –
Piyush Goyal- Union Minister of Railways and coal, Piyush Goyal’s contribution in fast track electrification of nearly 18,000 villages is critical. His contribution in the rollout of a drastic power sector reforms is unparallel. He is a key actor in the world’s largest LED bulb distribution programme. He is also the receipt of 2018 Carnot Prize for contribution in energy policy.
Dr. Harsh Vardhan- Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Environment, is a key factor in motivating scientists to develop new technologies that address a social and environmental problem. He played an integral role in making India a leader in environmental preservation. He also launched ‘Anti-plastic campaign’ and ‘Green shopper Campaign’. He is vital in the promotion of business partnership with the manufacturing of the environment-friendly product.
Mukta Tilak- The mayor of Pune, Mukta Tilak played a Vital role in a ban of all dumping solid waste, implementation of measures to cut down carbon production and improvement of air quality.
Jyoti Kirit Parik- Jyoti Parik is an Executive Director of Integrated Research and Action for development, a Research and policy analysis Institute focusing on sustainable development. She is a member of PM’s council for climate change in India and energy and environment consultant for the World Bank and UNDP.
Sunita Narain- Sunita Narain is a well-renowned environmentalist and political activist. She is director of Center for Science and Environment. She is an editor of ‘Down to Earth’ magazine. She is an advocate of the importance of local democracy in climate change. She played a key role in the creation of the state of India’s environment report in 1985 to 20112. In 2005, the Indian government honored her with ‘Padma Shri’.
Vandana Shiva- Vandana Shiva is an advocate of ‘Fair and Sustainable Agriculture’. She is the founder of the Research Foundation for Science and Technology. She played a key role in ‘Natural Resource Policy’. Her movement, ‘Navdanya’, is a movement for the preservation of biodiversity and farmer’s rights.
Upendra Tripathy- Upendra Tripathy is a Director General of ‘International Solar Alliance’, the coalition of 100+ countries for solar power and reducing the reliance on fossil fuel. Upendra has a 36 years experience in the public sector and in April 2009, he received Prime Minister’s Award for excellence.
With all these leaders, Varshini Prashak, 25-year-old Indian Origin woman, also make her space in this list. She is a co-founder and executive director of ‘Sunrise’, the youth-led the movement which advocates political action against climate change in the US.