Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav on Friday delivered India’s closing statement at the G20 Climate and Environmental Sustainability Working Group Ministerial Meeting in Cape Town, urging member nations to act with collective responsibility to address the escalating climate and environmental challenges.
Quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Yadav reminded the gathering that humanity must see itself as a “trustee of this planet” rather than its owner. He also expressed India’s deep appreciation to South Africa for its leadership in steering constructive discussions on complex global environmental issues.
Recalling the words of Mahatma Gandhi, Yadav said the truth of climate change and environmental degradation must not only be acknowledged but accepted. “The challenges that confront the globe can be countered only through a spirit of cooperation, collaboration and commitment,” he said.
Highlighting the influence of G20 nations, which represent over 80% of global GDP and population, the minister stressed their responsibility to address the developmental needs of the Global South. He called for an approach that is both “pragmatic and inspiring” – pragmatic to account for national circumstances, and inspiring to ensure responsibility towards future generations.
Yadav underlined India’s strong progress in climate action, stating that the country achieved its revised Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target of 50% non-fossil electric generation capacity five years ahead of schedule. India’s installed solar capacity, he noted, grew from 2.8 GW in 2014 to 127 GW in 2025 – a 45-fold increase in 11 years.
Citing Nelson Mandela, he said, “It always seems impossible, until it’s done,” underscoring that determined action can deliver transformational results.
Yadav concluded his address with a message of shared responsibility and optimism. “Let us draw inspiration from great personalities, accept the truth, stay united, trust each other and together work to make lives of our people beautiful and to save our planet,” he said.