6 January 2015
GEF CEO Stresses India’s Role in 2015 Climate Agreement
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In an editorial written for the Hindu Business Line, Naoko Ishii, CEO and Chairperson of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), notes that India, as the world's third largest economy in purchasing power parity, will play a critical role in combating climate change.

She writes that the most important building block of the 2015 Paris climate agreement will be the announcement of each country's intended nationally determined contribution (INDC) to reduce emissions, and that India's INDC will be closely scrutinized.

GEF19 December 2014: In an editorial written for the Hindu Business Line, Naoko Ishii, CEO and Chairperson of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), notes that India, as the world’s third largest economy in purchasing power parity, will play a critical role in combating climate change. She writes that the most important building block of the 2015 Paris climate agreement will be the announcement of each country’s intended nationally determined contribution (INDC) to reduce emissions, and that India’s INDC will be closely scrutinized.

Recognizing that economic growth is a priority, she confirms that climate change does not need to be placed on the “back burner,” and that better growth through job creation and poverty reduction strategies along with emission reduction strategies is possible. Pointing to the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate’s report on the ‘New Climate Economy,’ Ishii stresses that increased growth will be critical for: improving resource efficiency; promoting technological innovation; and closing the infrastructure gap. She further recalls the report’s conclusions, which state that countries must modernize their energy systems, build sustainable cities and optimize land-use management.

In the editorial, she commends India’s efforts in transforming its energy systems by facilitating the shift to renewable energy, and states that cities, which have improved urban transport planning and transport investments that reduce local air pollution and traffic congestion, can increase sustainability and resilience by focusing on integrated urban design, planning and management. She also calls on India to increase efforts to: reduce deforestation; improve land-use management; develop climate-resilient crops; expand weather insurance mechanisms; and elaborate adaptation financial instruments especially for the rural poor.

In concluding she recalls Indian Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar’s statement that the stepping stones towards a comprehensive, balanced, equitable and pragmatic climate agreement were put in place in Lima. [GEF CEO Editorial]

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