International Net Zero Summit 2026 Stresses Urgent Action for Carbon Neutrality
At the International Net Zero Summit 2026 held in Panaji on Thursday, prominent speakers unanimously declared that achieving Net Zero emissions requires a comprehensive strategy involving radical emission reductions, the removal of residual emissions, and firm time-bound commitments. This multifaceted approach was highlighted as the definitive pathway for nations, corporations, and institutions to reach carbon neutrality.
Non-Negotiable Shift to Renewable Energy and Efficiency
Colonel Prakash Tewari, a member of the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) within India's Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, emphasized the imperative nature of this transition. "This is something non-negotiable, which the countries, corporates, and institutions have to go for," Tewari stated. He elaborated that this fundamental shift entails moving to renewable energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency across sectors, and decarbonizing critical industries such as transport.
Tewari further addressed the challenge of unavoidable emissions from sectors like aviation, cement, and steel production. "Some of these emissions are currently unavoidable, such as aviation, cement, or steel. These are the ones which have to be balanced by nature-based solutions," he explained. He pointed to forests, mangroves, wetlands, and soil carbon sequestration as vital natural mechanisms to offset these persistent emissions. The EAC is working to implement conditions and guidelines sector-wise to manage and mitigate these hard-to-abate emissions effectively.
A Holistic Challenge: Beyond Technology and Finance
Speakers at the summit underscored that the journey to Net Zero extends far beyond mere technological innovation or financial investment. It is equally an institutional and human challenge, requiring systemic changes and collective behavioral shifts.
Bhaskar Chatterjee, renowned as the Father of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in India, provided a sobering global perspective. He noted that only six countries have successfully achieved their Net Zero targets: Suriname, Bhutan, Comoros, Gabon, Niue, and Panama. However, he cautioned against complacency, revealing that two Net Zero countries are actually regressing in their efforts.
"Madagascar, for example, is cutting down its forests. Guyana discovered oil beneath its surface and effectively reversed course; forget moving forward," Chatterjee remarked, highlighting the fragile and reversible nature of climate commitments in the face of economic pressures and resource discoveries.
India's Responsibility and Historical Context
Srinivas Dempo, President of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), framed Net Zero as both a formidable challenge and a profound responsibility. "Net Zero is a challenge, yet it's a responsibility, because we owe it to our future generations," Dempo asserted.
He reflected on India's historical sustainable practices, contrasting them with contemporary trends. "We were such a great sustainable society in India, but we moved from big houses to concrete houses and air conditioners aimed at the Western world, and now we are in a situation where we are asked by the Western world to abide by deadlines," he observed. Dempo called for a proactive stance, urging India to transcend external pressures and focus decisively on achieving its environmental targets for the sake of planetary health and intergenerational equity.
The summit concluded with a reinforced consensus that achieving Net Zero demands unwavering commitment, innovative strategies, and global cooperation to ensure a sustainable and resilient future for all.
