COP26: Coal lifeline for many scavengers in India

Updated : Nov 13, 2021 20:41
|
Editorji News Desk

India targets increasing its current capacity of non-fossil fuel electricity to 500 gigawatts by 2030 and reducing the carbon intensity of its economy by 45%. 

But in some parts of the country, the economy is heavily dependent on local coalfields- a key source of heat-trapping carbon emissions. 
Locals living in the eastern city of Jharia in Jharkhand said they wouldn't survive without it. 

The coal in Jharia is cheap, accessible and plentiful, and sustains the community's most vulnerable. 

Also read: COP26: Why it's so hard for India to quit coal

At the ongoing U.N. climate summit in Glasgow, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced his country would aim to stop adding greenhouse gases to the atmosphere by 2070. 

India's short-term targets for 2030 involve increasing its current capacity of non-fossil fuel electricity to 500 gigawatts, using green energy to meet half of its needs and reducing the carbon intensity of its economy by 45%. 

But there are 27 million people without access to electricity in India. It has roads and homes to build, while extreme heat is driving up the demand for air conditioning. 
 

ElectricityEnvironmentinidacoalCOP26

Recommended For You

editorji | India

India not neutral, it is on side of peace: PM Modi to Putin on Ukraine conflict

editorji | India

AAP to hold farmers’ Mahapanchayat in Gujarat's Amreli on December 7 amid crop loss crisis

editorji | India

Russian President Putin accorded ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan

editorji | India

IndiGo disruptions worsen; over 400 flights cancelled, passengers stranded for long hours

editorji | India

Over 500 BJP and Congress leaders join AAP at Gujarat Jodo JANSABHA in Morva Hadaf