Net zero targets are not the answer to climate change problem, India says

Indian environment minister Bhupender Yadav, left and US special presidential envoy for climate John Kerry talk during the launch of Climate Action and Finance Mobilisation Dialogue under India-US Agenda 2030 Partnership in New Delhi, India (Manish Swarup/AP)

The solution to climate change is not setting net zero carbon emissions targets as dozens of nations have done, India’s federal environment minister said.

Bhupender Yadav said rich countries instead need to acknowledge their “historic responsibility” for emissions and protect the interests of developing nations and those vulnerable to climate change.