Practical information
There is a new momentum towards more ambitious climate action by major economies. The European Union (EU) and India, staunch proponents of the Paris Climate Agreement, are important actors in the global effort to mitigate and adapt to climate change. As strategic partners, climate action has also long been a pillar of their bilateral relationship. In the run up to the COP26 this year there have been multiple ‘net-zero by 2050’ declarations by major global powers - US, Japan, South Korea, China & Brazil (latter two by 2060). The European Union’s net-zero target too has very recently been cemented in a landmark climate law which also promises a 57% emissions cut for 2030. Here in Europe, there have been expectations for India to also make a similar proclamation. But such anticipations shows little appreciation of India’s challenges and, more importantly, India’s vast achievements. To facilitate further bilateral climate action between the EU and India there is a need for better appreciation of the strategic vision of India. This event has the goal to facilitate mutual understanding in order to enhance future cooperation on climate action between the EU and India.
This event took place online, please find the recording below:
Programme:
09:00 Welcome and Introduction: Gauri Khandekar, Researcher, Brussels School of Governance, VUB (moderator)
09:05 Opening Remarks:
- Ugo Astuto, Hon. Ambassador of the European Union to India
- Santosh Jha, Hon. Ambassador of India to the European Union
09:15 Key Achievements: national/regional, international & multilateral diplomacy
- Arunabha Ghosh, CEO – Council on Energy, Environment and Water
- Marc Vanheukelen, EU Ambassador at large for Climate Diplomacy
- Prof. Amit Garg, Public Systems Group - Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad
- Gökçe Mete, Head of Secretariat, Leadership Group for Industry Transition, Stockholm Environment Insitutute
- Navroz K Dubash, Professor, Centre for Policy Research
- Suzana Carp, Political Strategy Director, Bellona Europa
10:15 Q&A with the audience
10:45 Sectoral Views: Barriers and Enablers on the Road to Paris
- Anna Gumbau, EU climate reporter - CarbonPulse
- Auke Hoekstra, Director - NEON Research; Researcher - Eindhoven University; Founder – Zenmo
- Dr. Nilanjan Ghosh, Director - Observer Research Foundation Kolkata
- Dr. Uttam Kumar Sinha, Fellow - Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses Jenny Tollmann, E3
- Dr. Sebastian Oberthür, Director – C3E Research Centre; Research Professor – BSG-VUB
- Vaibhav Chaturvedi, Fellow - Council on Energy, Environment and Water
11:45 Q&A with the audience
12:15 Conclusions – What Next for EU-India Relations