During the opening address at Connect Karo 2023, Amitabh Kant, India's G20 Sherpa, unveiled a groundbreaking vision for the country's future. He set an ambitious target for India to become the world's first country to industrialize without carbonizing. Kant emphasized the urgency of the issue, highlighting that while India currently occupies only 1.3 percent of the world's carbon space, its urbanization and industrialization trends could lead it to become the third-largest carbon emitter globally. He stressed that India must assume a leadership position in climate action and technological advancements to avert the looming environmental crisis.
The conference focused on key areas such as urban planning, water and resilience, integrated and electric mobility, climate and clean air, energy, and food. Madhav Pai, CEO of WRI India, underscored the importance of evidence-based responses and data-led urban planning to address sector-specific challenges. He emphasized the need for nature-based solutions, sustainable cities, and reimagining food systems to create livable environments for all.
Connect Karo 2023 saw the release of three working papers, each shedding light on critical topics in India's development journey. These papers included "Public Bicycle Sharing in India: Lessons Learned from Implementation in Three Cities," "Improving Metro Access in India: Evidence from Three Cities," and "Our Journey with the City: Deciphering WRI India Ross Center's Influence in Bengaluru." Additionally, six more publications covering a wide range of topics are scheduled for release during the conference.
During Monday's sessions, the focus was on sustainable urbanization, decarbonizing transport, and achieving a just and responsible energy transition. A roundtable discussion on "Unlocking Financing to Revolutionize Electric Bus Adaption" brought together transit agencies, automobile manufacturers, and administrators to explore funding pathways for electric bus adoption.
The conference also delved into financing mechanisms required to catalyze investments for India to achieve its climate targets. The panel discussed possibilities such as de-risking and insuring businesses transitioning to a low-carbon economy. Furthermore, the session titled "Expanding the Limits: Making the Clean Energy Growth Circular" highlighted the importance of adopting a circular economy approach within the clean energy transition. Panelists underscored the rapid adoption of circular practices in India's public and private sectors, emphasizing socially and environmentally just and responsible resource utilization.
Connect Karo 2023 provided valuable insights and strategies for advancing sustainable urbanization, promoting clean energy adoption, and fostering inclusive development in India. With the country taking on the challenge to industrialize without carbonizing, the conference served as a crucial platform for high-level dialogues, innovative ideas, and collaborative efforts to address the pressing environmental issues facing the nation and the world.
