Green Future Summit 2024

The Green Future Summit 2024, an influential event mitigating climate crisis and global sustainability, successfully launched the inaugural edition of NetZero Horizon Magazine at Hotel Le Méridien, New Delhi, the event was a collaboration with premier academic partners such as IIT ISM Dhanbad and BITS-BioCyTiH Goa. Esteemed supporting partners included Coal India Limited (CIL), Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), THDC India Limited, Hindustan Copper Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), POWERGRID, NBCC India Limited, and GAIL India.

The summit brought together a diverse group of policymakers, industry leaders, academicians, and climate activists. Discussions throughout the day focused on uniting these critical sectors to foster a comprehensive approach to climate change and sustainability, aligned with India’s strategic goals towards achieving net zero emissions by 2070. The magazine “NetZero Horizon: Enabling India’s Path To Net Zero” was launched at the event reflecting the climate crisis that needs our collective attention.

NetZero Horizon Magazine Launch

NetZero Horizon Magazine emerges as a critical voice in the discourse on Net Zero Carbon Emissions, underscoring the intersection of innovation and technology in green energy. Reflecting the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi articulated during the COP26 and Paris Agreement, the magazine positions India at the forefront of the net zero movements. This publication explores themes such as the future of AI in sustainability, green hydrogen production, the role of solid-state batteries, and alternate energy solutions, among others. It’s more than a magazine’s movement to build a community of climate enthusiasts who wish to work towards a common goal of Net Zero and climate change.

Highlights from the Green Future Summit 2024

Inaugural Ceremony: Chief Guest, Rajya Sabha MP & Former Deputy CM of the Government of UP, Dr Dinesh Sharma, highlighted India’s deep-rooted sustainable practices and rich cultural values can help us lead the world toward a greener future. Recognising the efforts of the Chief Editor and Publisher, Mr. Rahul Deo congratulated him on his initiative.

Keynote Addresses and Discussions: Featuring insights from industry veterans and Academicians, Shri Raj Kumar Chaudhary (CMD, NHPC Ltd.), Dr Anil Wali, CEO, BITS-BioCyTiH Foundation, Goa, and Shri Gopal K. Agarwal, and Director/Board Member BPCL discussed the future of Green Growth in India. Panel discussions delved into policies for green governance, innovative strategies for a carbon-neutral India, and emerging green technologies.

Special Contributions

Sumit Awasthi recalled the Swadeshi movement and ancient Indian Practices which can help us work towards sustainability. His address emphasized how traditional Indian practices can contribute significantly to global sustainability efforts.

Closing Remarks

Rahul Deo, Chief Editor of NetZero Horizon, expressed his gratitude and vision for the magazine, stating, “NetZero Horizon is more than a magazine; it is a community initiative aiming to galvanize collective efforts towards a sustainable future. It is a testament to India’s commitment to leading global sustainability. The Green Future Summit 2024 was not just an event but a pivotal moment in shaping the future of sustainability in India and beyond”.

Sumit Awasthi on Net Zero Horizon and the Green Future Summit

At the Green Future Summit, NDTV’s Consulting Editor, Sumit Awasthi, highlighted the critical role of initiatives like Net Zero Horizon in addressing the pressing environmental challenges of our time. He remarked, “We are living in a time when such activities are urgently needed,” stressing the importance of public awareness and collaboration. Reflecting on the summit’s impact, he added, “We can bring awareness among the people, bring it into the public, that we need to think differently about issues like stubble burning.” Awasthi praised the launch of Net Zero Horizon, noting, “I saw the magazine very superficially, but I liked all the articles—pioneers and experts sharing their knowledge.”

He introduced the “Three A’s” framework—”Awareness, Adoption, and Action”—to simplify the concepts of net zero and sustainability. “We need to make people aware that what they’re doing is not right and that they can do better,” he emphasized. Awasthi also called on the country to reconnect with its traditions of nature worship, saying, “India is a country that worships nature, and we need to stick to those old values—take care of trees, cherish nature.” His speech was a powerful reminder that sustainability starts with individual actions, supported by the collective effort of media, policymakers, and citizens.

Dr. SSV Ramakumar on Net Zero Horizon and the Green Future Summit

At the Green Future Summit 2024, Dr. SSV Ramakumar, former Director (R&D) at Indian Oil Corporation Limited, shared valuable insights on India’s progress in renewable energy, particularly in solar and green hydrogen. He discussed the challenges surrounding green hydrogen, stating, “Green hydrogen is definitely one of the most efficient green energy forms. But today, it’s the question of the proverbial egg first or chicken first.” He elaborated, explaining that while the demand for green hydrogen is crucial, the cost must come down for widespread adoption. “Unless the cost comes down, the demand will not kick off,” he noted.

Dr. Ramakumar emphasized the government’s efforts through the National Mission Hydrogen Roadmap to create demand and fast-track the adoption of green hydrogen. He highlighted India’s pivotal role, saying, “When the ISA (International Solar Alliance) took place, many countries, especially in Africa, look forward to India’s leadership.”

Reflecting on the summit, he appreciated the diverse expertise brought together, stating, “The summit is quite good. Variegated experts from various domains, energy domains, they congregated here and put forward their views.” He believes such forums are vital for consolidating thoughts and steering the direction toward achieving India’s net zero goals. “These forums help consolidate our thinking process and draw our own direction,” he concluded.

Prof. Sukumar Mishra on Net Zero Horizon and the Green Future Summit

At the Green Future Summit 2024, I had the opportunity to share my thoughts on the event and its importance. “I have been listening to the Green Future Summit 2024 from the morning. This is an approach in a very good direction. And we need to do green in each direction,” I stated. Reflecting on the discussions throughout the summit, I added, “And in the future, how can we achieve green in totality? There has been a lot of discussion on this in the conference. And from that discussion, I am sure that at the end of the conference, it will give rise to a good conclusion. How to reach greenness in all aspects of life and that makes us sustainable.”

Regarding the launch of the Net Zero Horizon magazine, I expressed my appreciation for the valuable content. “Yes, there are a lot of articles in that book. And in that article, a lot of summarization has also been done about its activities,” I remarked. I believe the magazine will be an essential tool for those looking to deepen their understanding of sustainability. “It will definitely be very useful for the public. As well as those who will read it, they will get a lot of knowledge from it. Sustainability or green activities,” I concluded.