Meet EarthOne: The fresh media bite that puts the planet front‑and‑center
AsiaOne’s brand‑new segment, EarthOne, is here to make sure you’re up‑to‑date on all the green news, because we really care about our planet and believe science can help us save it. Check out the headlines we’ve got for you.
Hold Up, Big Spenders! Let’s Talk About Those $100 Billion Coins
NEW DELHI – Right before the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) kicks off, India’s chief economic adviser, K.V. Subramanian, warned that the richest nations are falling short of their promise to chip in at least $100 billion a year to help poorer countries tackle climate change. His numbers? A staggering S$136 billion.
“$100 billion is just a drop in the ocean for the tech needed to finance climate solutions,” Subramanian told Reuters. “I think the commitment should be a lot higher.”
Even though India hasn’t set a net‑zero target yet, the country’s plan is to keep adding renewables to its mix and push industries to see the upside of cleaner fuels. “We’re giving companies incentives to go green; otherwise, saying \”net zero\” is just lip service,” he added.
What’s the Bottom Line? The Climate Cash Fiasco
- High Emission History Matters: Wealthy countries owe more money because they’ve historically emitted more gases.
- 100 Billion Wasted: That amount is too small to curb runaway temperatures.
- Innovation Gap: Money is focused on lab tech, not on real-world payouts to the planet.
- India’s Road to Net Zero: Still on track, but not yet a full‑on commitment.
Stay tuned for more EarthOne updates—because when it comes to saving our home, we’re all in this together!
Coal fired plants
India’s Power Play: Turning the Heat into Green Energy
India has already cranked up over 100 gigawatts of clean energy—more than a quarter of the country’s total power punch. And the nation’s ambition? Pump that green power up to a whopping 450 GW by 2030. Sounds like a superhero cape for the planet, right?
Why It Matters
- India is the third-largest greenhouse gas emitter globally, right after China and the U.S.
- As one of the biggest slakers of carbon, its moves can help keep the planet from overheating past the 1.5 °C threshold scientists warn about.
- It’s a key player on the world stage, especially as the COP26 summit gears up to push governments toward more ambitious climate pledges.
The Mix of Energy – Coal Itself, Yet Randomly Renewed?
While the country plans to double its green energy prowess, it’s clear from the latest comments that coal-fired plants will still have a seat at the table. That’s how India aims to keep its average annual economic growth above 7 %—a vital boost for jobs and inflation.
Global Peers and Their Carbon Goals
- China is targeting carbon neutrality by 2060.
- U.S. President Joe Biden is pledging a 50‑52 % cut in emissions from 2005 levels by 2030.
- In contrast, Reuters sources earlier this year suggested India might struggle to commit to a net‑zero target by 2050.
So, What Does This Mean for the Planet?
If India can hit its 450‑GW goal, we’ll see a major dent in global emissions and a step toward that cool mid‑century “net zero” target. Of course, balancing out coal with plenty of wind, solar, and hydro is the trick. But it’s a solid start—much like a team that insists on playing with both a smartphone and a ball.
Bottom Line: It’s Not Just About Power; It’s About Progress
India’s move to supercharge its renewable portfolio is more than a headline: it’s a stepping stone toward a greener, more sustainable future. With coal still in the mix for now, the story is one of compromise, pragmatism, and a dash of hope for the planet.
