Thursday 21 July 2022

Alok Sharma visits India for COP27 progress

COP26 President Alok Sharma has travelled to India to speak with its climate leaders and ministers ahead of COP27.

The aim of the visit is to ensure India remains committed to the promises it made to mitigate climate change at last year’s Glasgow conference, as the Asian country is set to take G20 Presidency in December.

Mr Sharma is looking to receive updated climate commitments from the ministers – as well as observe progress in smart grid installations, the push on electric vehicles and the implementation of affordable energy storage.

Various renewable energy projects that the UK and India have worked together on will be exhibited to the COP26 President.

Record heatwaves are still battering the country as well – and Mr Sharma will visit local communities to gauge the impact on normal people that climate change is having.

He said: “India’s green transition is gathering pace, with an increasing slate of renewables and commitments to phase down fossil fuel-based energy.

“I have previously commended India on its emissions reduction targets and truly believe that delivery of its commitments will have a major positive impact. The UK continues to stand side-by-side with India as it progresses to a low carbon, self-sufficient future.

“I am eager to explore how the UK can further support India in translating its COP26 commitments into action.”