Bihar Environment Secretary Addresses Jakarta Futures Forum

• 07 May 2024

Why in News?

Recently, Secretary of the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bihar, spoke at Jakarta Futures Forum in Indonesia to raise global awareness about the initiatives taken in both India and Bihar for promoting renewable sources of energy.

Key Points

• The panel discussion titled ‘International Cooperation for Facilitating a Just and Inclusive Energy Transition’ included Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary General of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), and Professor Eniya Listiani Dewi, Director General of New Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Indonesia.
  • The secretary emphasized significant milestones, such as India reaching 40% of its electric-generation capacity from non-fossil fuels by November 2021, and Bihar pioneering the development of a ‘Climate Resilient and Low Carbon Development Pathway’ for the State.
  • India has exceeded its commitment made at the United Nations’ Conference of Parties (COP) 21 - Paris Summit by achieving 40% of its power capacity from non-fossil fuels several years ahead of schedule (originally targeted by 2023).
  • The country ranks fourth globally in renewable energy installed capacity (including large hydro), fourth in wind power capacity, and fifth in solar power capacity (according to REN21 Renewables 2023 Global Status Report).
• India’s proactive steps towards clean energy transition, including commitments to achieve 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030, energy independence by 2047, and net-zero emissions by 2070 were emphasized during the forum.
  • Bihar has successfully implemented various programs and schemes to mitigate climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in alignment with national objectives.
    • Flagship programmes such as Jal Jeevan Hariyali Mission which aims to rejuvenate water bodies, promote biodiversity conservation, and enhance green cover is being implemented in the state.
    • Bihar Renewable Energy Development Agency (BREDA) is developing an updated Renewable Energy Policy-2024.
  • Bihar is the first state in the country to develop a Climate Resilient and Low Carbon Development Pathway for the state.
    • The state is also on the edge of finalizing the Bihar State Action Plan on Climate Change. The policies also advocate energy transition in the state.
• The secretary urged the nations to strengthen international collaboration frameworks, increase support for developing countries, and ensure that the energy transition addresses the needs of affected workers and communities.

Jakarta Futures Forum: Blue Horizons, Green Growth 2024

• The Embassy of India in Jakarta, in partnership with Observer Research Foundation (ORF), and the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia hosted the inaugural Jakarta Futures Forum (JFF) on 2nd and 3rd May 2024.
• JFF is a realization of a long-standing vision and a commitment from both countries to build a meaningful and inclusive future together.
• The success of this pilot project stands as a testimony to the fact that collective effort and innovative solutions can indeed bring the world not only together, but closer as well.
  • India and Indonesia have the ability and credentials to redefine what inclusion means across various sectors and issues, thereby, ensuring a fairer and more equitable world.
  • Inclusion must be at the forefront of the agenda, as reflected in the Indonesian and Indian G20 communiques.