Political will most precious resource: UN Environment chief

Praising Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron for initiating the International Solar Alliance (ISA), United Nations Environment chief Erik Solheim on Sunday said the most precious resource in the world is "political will".

This is what the International Solar Alliance (ISA) represents, he added.

"Solar energy is the biggest win for the world. As @EmmanuelMacron has noted, it's time to be absolutely consumed with practical results," Solheim, who was here to attend the ISA, said in a tweet.

"Solar energy is not only needed for electricity, but also for transportation, farming, irrigation, cooking stoves at home and many others," he said.

Praising Modi's 10-point agenda for the ISA, he said it "provides a roadmap for us to make the sun shine brighter".

Seeking Solheim's support, Modi in a tweet said: "We cherish your support to the International Solar Alliance."

An optimistic Solheim believes the ISA could help reduce technology prices.

In a video message, he said the solar alliance is a milestone in the fight against pollution and climate change.

"There is no contradiction fortunately between lifting people out of poverty and tackling pollution and climate change. Solar energy can help us both."

"The International Solar Alliance can reduce technology prices and can bring more finance. And that means more people connected to the grid at the better price. This means more jobs, better jobs and better paid jobs. It's a great, big step to greater global energy security," said the United Nations Environment head.

India's solar capacity has increased by an incredible 370 per cent in three years, he added.

With the French President by his side at the founding conference of the India-initiated ISA here, Prime Minister Modi presented the 10-point action plan to promote the use of solar energy.

Speaking at the plenary session of the conference, Modi said there should be a full ecosystem for availability and development of technology, economic resources, development of storage technology, mass manufacturing and innovation.

--IANS

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