India’s economy will become carbon neutral by 2070, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the COP26 summit in Glasgow.

However, this is 20 years behind the target scientists say is required to avoid devastating climate effects.

India is the last of the major global carbon polluters to unveil a net-zero target. China said it would hit that target in 2060, with the EU and U.S. aiming for 2050.

“By 2070, India will achieve the target of net-zero emissions,” the Prime Minister stated on Monday.

Modi went on to say India would increase its 2030 target for installed capacity of “non-fossil energy” – from 450 to 500 gigawatts.

Furthermore, 50% of India’s energy requirements will stem from renewable sources by the same date.

Modi also said the economy’s carbon intensity will be reduced by 45% by 2030, following the previous target of 35%.

However, Modi went on to add that pledges of reducing emissions from India and other developing nations would need finance from rich, historic emitters:

“Instead of mindless and destructive consumption we need mindful and deliberate utilisation,” he said.

“These choices, made by billions of people, can take the fight against climate change one step further,” the PM added.

Before the COP26 summit, only last week India rebuffed calls to announce a net-zero carbon emissions target, stating the implementation of credible pathways to reduce emissions was more important.

Under the Paris Agreement, countries that presented carbon reducing plans under the 2015 treaty were to offer updates five years later, by the end of 2020.

India hasn’t yet done so, yet the Prime Minister’s announcement will likely be validated in a revised plan, according to experts.

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