'The problem was caused by you': Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal calls out Europe over carbon emissions

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the differences in carbon emissions between India and Europe, noting that India accounts for less than 3% of global emissions despite representing 17% of the world's population. Speaking in Berlin, he said India's per capita emissions remained lower than Europe's while the country continued to meet the energy and food needs of 1.4 billion people and expand its clean energy programme.

"Who's responsible for this mess in the first place? Where did the ozone layer get damaged? Who sent all that carbon into the atmosphere?... I represent 17% of the world's population, but my contribution to global carbon emissions is less than 3%. You (Europe) represent probably 3% or 4% of the world's population, yet your contribution to those carbon emissions—or this mess—is humongous...The problem was caused by you...Even today, as we sit here, my per capita contribution to carbon emissions is probably less than 10% or 15% of yours."

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The Minister said, "Even today, Europe's per capita contribution to carbon emissions—and its per capita environmental impact—is probably seven or eight times that of India...I'm representing 17% of the world's population, and I am more conscious of waste and the circular economy. I also have to meet the needs of 1.4 billion people. I have to meet their energy needs, their food needs, and ensure that my nation remains secure. Despite all of that, we have one of the world's fastest-growing clean energy programmes..."

Goyal is visiting Germany and the Netherlands from October 22 to 27, leading a delegation of around 100 businesses and startups to strengthen trade and investment ties, explore new business opportunities and expand industrial and technological cooperation, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said on Wednesday.

On the sidelines of the event, he will hold high-level bilateral meetings with Germany's Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy and the Economic and Financial Policy Advisor and G7/G20 Sherpa at the Federal Chancellery.

The visit will focus on expanding bilateral trade, strengthening investment partnerships and exploring cooperation in advanced manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), green mobility, clean technology, renewable energy and logistics.

The Indian business delegation will participate in sectoral roundtables with German chief executive officers and Indian business representatives. Discussions will cover automotive, advanced manufacturing, infrastructure and energy, information technology, AI and services, as well as agri-food, consumer goods, textiles, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and wellness.