Narendra Modi has committed that by 2030 at least 40% of country’s electricity will be generated from non-fossil sources

This article is more than 3 years old

This article is more than 3 years old

India will ratify the Paris climate change agreement at the United Nations, an environment ministry official said.

Narendra Modi’s cabinet had given its approval on Wednesday to ratify the Paris agreement on Sunday. The date is the birth anniversary of India’s independence leader Mahatma Gandhi, who led a life of minimum carbon footprint, said Modi.

Environment ministry spokesman Himank Kothiyal said Indian officials would hand over the ratification instruments to UN officials in New York on Sunday.

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India accounts for about 4.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

The Paris agreement will come into force when 55 countries contributing to at least 55% of total global emissions ratify the deal. So far, 61 countries have deposited their instruments of ratification, acceptance or approval, accounting for 47.8% of global emissions, an Indian government statement said.

The Paris agreement was adopted by 185 nations in December. It asks both rich and poor countries to take action to curb the rise in global temperatures that is melting glaciers, raising sea levels and shifting rainfall patterns. It requires governments to present national plans to reduce emissions to limit global temperature rise to well below 2C (3.6F).

India has committed that by 2030, at least 40% of its electricity will be generated from non-fossil sources. This includes 175GW renewable energy capacity by 2022.

Manish Bapna, executive vice-president and managing director of the World Resources Institute, said India “has one of the boldest renewable energy targets in the world, making it destined to be a major player in solar and wind markets”.

Money will be a big challenge for India, which says it will require over $2.5tn (£1.9tn) to meet all its targets. It says it will achieve the targets only if other countries give it money and discounts on new technology.