By Kyle Castellanos
This weekend rounded out German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s trip to India after holding talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on topics related to trade and foreign policy. In a statement to the press, Merkel seemed optimistic about European-Indian relations going forward, highlighting the need for a “fresh attempt at a European-Indian free trade agreement.”
Outlined in the proposed agreement are a number of environmentally friendly measures. One of the most notable changes will be the introduction of 500 electric buses, paid for by German investments, to replace diesel-fueled buses. Several other pro-climate policies will ensue, which will be steadily implemented over the next five years.
India, as the world’s third-largest carbon dioxide emitter behind China and the United States, lacks substantial efforts at replacing coal and gas with alternative energy initiatives. Instead, in favor of rapid economic development, India uses coal as its primary energy contributor. Germany’s efforts at encouraging alternative energy usage in India will undoubtedly lead the country in the right direction.
Germany’s promoting pro-climate solutions abroad is a noble effort—and an encouragingly viable approach. Germany’s foreign policy regarding environmental sustainability assists developing countries in making the switch by making it fiscally possible through reasonable economic support. Ultimately, the transition benefits both countries, allowing German investors to expand their business to India while providing alternative energy resources to India.
Most countries engage in environmentally degrading practices due to the relatively low price point in comparison with clean energy, in addition to the fact that fossil fuels are abundantly available and easily extracted from the earth. Alternatively, developing countries would have to invest billions to develop the infrastructure and industry organization for alternative energy sectors. Receiving economic support from developed countries significantly eases the transition process. The European Union’s approach to reaching environmental sustainability, currently being spearheaded by Germany, represents a fresh approach to solving the global climate change crisis.