The world this year celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day on 22nd April. This year’s theme ‘Climate Change’ could not be a more appropriate topic in this pressed for times.
Earth Day Network and India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) organized a web conference that brought together global leaders.
With rapid urbanization, the transport and electricity sectors are going to play an undeniable role in the day-to-day aspects of life. Tackling climate change will be difficult without first reducing harmful emissions and our reliance on fossil fuels to generate power.
This e-Conference provided a forum for the global leaders of the concerned industries and environment organizations, to share their views on climate change and our responsibilities in countering that change.
The program was inaugurated by screening Dharti Ma – A Tribute to Earth, a special song prepared to mark the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day.
Earth Day Network India Ambassador and one of the singers Bombay Jayashri spoke on the occasion.
Congratulating on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, and the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, GoI, said “Earth is our Mother and we’re her children this thinking has been the part of Indian culture. Earth day is the remarkable day of India. Earth is a livable planet and for the climate change action we should think differently”. He emphasized on the need for taking suo moto action and urged people to think of actions we can take at a personal level towards a greener future. It could be as simple as taking cycle to work, spending an evening without power under the moon or other personal ways. The minister added that we should take the time of think of ways we can promote fewer polluting startups in the industry.
With his best wishes on the 50th Earth Day, Shri Dinesh Jagdale, Joint. Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India said, “MNRE is promoting and leading a conducive policy for India’s RE target of 175 GW. We have made a considerable progress in technology, projects, and project execution. Penetration of green energy in India is by Renewables. Our door is open for all kinds of technologies and we have to move from Power to Energy”. He emphasized on the RE initiatives for the RE
developers, Bio-energy aspect, new business models and upcoming bids. Shri Dinesh Jagdale also encouraged stakeholder to give comments on the draft Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020. Lastly, he concluded with the huge opportunities in the export sector and how India can become one.
Karuna Singh, Regional Director for South Asia, Earth Day Network stated: “I am very happy to be part of this prestigious webinar taking place on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Earth Day Network strongly believes that through a holistic approach that bring in all stakeholders we can address climate change. This webinar brought together Central Ministers, Corporates, NGOs, and other experts. We are also happy to announce our partnership with India Energy Storage Alliance. This, we believe, will be the beginning of a long-term collaboration. We are sure such concerted efforts would help make our common home – Earth a better place to live in”.
Dr. Rahul Walawalkar, President, India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) opinions, “We are honored to partner with Earth Day network to celebrate the 50th Earth Day with a theme of movement towards Clean Transport and Clean Energy. In past decade we have made tremendous progress in adoption of clean energy and renewable energy has reached a stage where it can compete with fossil fuel sources without any subsidies. Hybrid projects combining wind and solar with energy storage have successfully started to replace dirty peaker plants. Next decade is poised for similar transition for transportation sector, where electric vehicles are anticipated to lead the transition away from Internal Combustion Engine based vehicles running on oil. We hope that this Earth Day will bring all the likeminded stakeholders together and help India to leapfrog in adoption of clean energy and transportation solutions”.
This e-Conference saw presence of eminent industry leaders, think tanks, and policy makers including Upendra Tripathy (Director General, International Solar Alliance), Saurabh Kumar (Managing Director, Energy Efficiency Services Ltd), Rashmi Urdhwareshe (Director, Automotive Research Association of India), O.P. Agarwal (CEO, World Resources Institute India), Sohinder Singh Gill (Director General, Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles), Dr. Arunabha Ghosh (Chief Executive Officer, Council on Energy, Environment and Water), Pranav Mehta (Chairman, National Solar Energy Federation of India) and Dr Ajay Mathur (Director General, The Energy and Resources Institute)
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, Great Global Cleanup Hero Campaign is up and running.
The campaign will recognize the persistent effort of individuals who continue to contribute to conserve the environment and make their voices heard.
The Great Global Cleanup Hero will have these unstoppable individuals spread awareness through social media handles, WhatsApp, blogs, personal conversations with their friends, relatives, etc. Once the situation normalizes, and the government allows outdoor group activities, the hero is expected to conduct on-ground activities such as cleanups and awareness drives.
The most deserving hero/es who as a leader never stops to contribute to protect the environment even during these challenging times will be adjudged as winner/s. Unlimited entries will be accepted by the jury. The campaign will culminate with an award ceremony in November 2020.