NEW DELHI: US President Joe Biden is hosting a two-day virtual summit with world leaders on Climate Change on April 22-23, for which he has extended the invite to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The White House website says: “The Leaders’ Summit on Climate will underscore the urgency – and the economic benefits – of stronger climate action. It will be a key milestone on the road to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) this November in Glasgow.”
Biden has sent US Special Presidential Envoy for climate, John Kerry, to Delhi to discuss the issue. With Biden’s official standing at India’s doorstep, the country will have to strike the fine balance between growth and the environment.
“India’s global leadership has been critical across a range of issues including delivering Covid-19 vaccines to the world. I’m particularly grateful that India is getting the job done on climate. You’re indisputably a world leader already in the deployment of renewable energy,” said Kerry, after meeting with several senior ministers and officials in New Delhi.
Climate expert, Dr Shalini Sharma, Founder Director, Global Institute for Circular Economy & SDGs, says: “Kerry’s visit may enable new directions and mould the countries to work for climate-friendly development. His Asia visit is a good sign not only because Asian countries are highly vulnerable to climate impacts but also because these countries need strong strategies, technologies and support to combat climate change.”