Net-zero push: TN first to come out with greenhouse gas inventory

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu on Wednesday released a greenhouse gas inventory and pathways for net-zero transition, the first state to do so.

"When it comes to climate change resilience and carbon neutrality, Tamil Nadu stands on a par with developed countries. The challenges are met with systematic planning by govt right from the district level," said youth welfare and sports development minister Udhayanidhi Stalin who released the inventory at the inaugural function of the two-day Tamil Nadu Climate Summit 2.0 here.

Under the Green Tamil Nadu Mission, a native species tree would be planted for every person who attends the summit to offset the carbon emission generated by the event.

"Your participation has contributed to the establishment of a new forest and you are invited to visit your tree at the Jerusalem College of Engineering at Pallikaranai," Udhayanidhi told the gathering.

Environment secretary Supriya Sahu said, "The state govt has walked the talk on climate change. Over the past two and a half years, we have taken every idea to implementation. While we began alone, we are now supported by more than 25 partners, who represent various sectors. We began with setting up the Tamil Nadu Green Climate Company and are now the first state to prepare a greenhouse gas emission inventory."

Udhayanidhi also launched the Tamil Nadu Coastal Mission by releasing a new logo for the same.

Supriya Sahu said the coastal mission would be implemented over the next five years with aid from World Bank at a cost of ₹1,675 crore.

"A special purpose vehicle - Tamil Nadu Blue Carbon Agency - will be set up to ensure focused attention on preservation and restoration of coastal ecosystems."

The summit also saw environment and climate change minister Siva V Meiyyanathan unveiling a study on micro plastics in marine, estuarine and freshwater environs of Tamil Nadu. Oliver Ballhatchet, British deputy high commissioner, TN and Puducherry, launched the climate literacy game at the summit.