New Delhi, May 28: Days after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio complained of hot weather in Delhi during his visit, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell today said the extreme heat in India is a “reminder of the potential of homegrown clean energy and energy efficiency measures which could help provide cooling”.
In a statement, Stiell said the “main culprit” is the “worsening climate,largely driven by the world burning colossal amounts of coal, oil and gas”.
“Large parts of India are already experiencing a punishing summer of extreme heat, with severe human and economic impacts, and the main culprit is worsening climate change, largely driven by the world burning colossal amounts of coal, oil and gas,” the top UN official said.
“These are testing times for those living in homes without cooling or working long hours outdoors. These extremes drive home the importance of measures to adapt to climate impacts, globally,” he said.
Stiell said India has also seen record-breaking peak electricity demand in recent days and solar and other renewable energy sources have helped in meeting day-time peaks.
“India’s strong steps to ramp up solar power have been a benefit. Even so, we are likely to see an increase in heat extremes over India and around the world in the future, as the impacts of the climate crisis get worse,” he added.
“The heat extremes over India are a reminder of the potential of homegrown clean energy and energy efficiency measures which could help provide cooling to the most vulnerable, and more secure and affordable electricity to help power homes, businesses, vital health services and electric transport,” he said.
His suo motu statement came days after Rubio, during a visit to New Delhi last week, complained that “it is too hot” in the Indian national capital.
Rubio was here to attend the QUAD Foreign Ministerial meeting, comprising India, the US, Japan and Australia. (NVI)
