'Who's responsible for this mess in the first place?' Piyush Goyal ozone layer video goes viral from Berlin discussion

Piyush Goyal criticised Europe’s carbon emissions and accused developed nations of failing to deliver promised climate finance. He also warned that the EU’s carbon tax on steel could raise living costs and weaken its industries’ competitiveness.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday criticised the European Union's contribution to carbon emissions, arguing that India, which accounts for 17% of the world's population, has contributed less than three per cent to global carbon emissions.

Addressing the Berlin Global Dialogue, Goyal said, "Who's responsible for this mess in the first place? Where did the ozone layer get damaged? Who sent all that carbon into the atmosphere?... I represent 17% of the world's population, but my contribution to global carbon emissions is less than 3%. You (Europe) represent probably 3% or 4% of the world's population, yet your contribution to those carbon emissions—or this mess—is humongous."

Goyal went on to say, "The problem was caused by you...Even today, as we sit here, my per capita contribution to carbon emissions is probably less than 10% or 15% of yours. Even today, Europe's per capita contribution to carbon emissions—and its per capita environmental impact—is probably seven or eight times that of India."

The minister added that India, which represents 17% of the global population, is more conscious of waste and the circular economy. He said that despite having to meet the needs of its 1.4 billion people, including their energy and food needs, and ensure national security, India still has one of the world's fastest-growing clean energy programmes.

Goyal sheds light on COP21 commitments

The Commerce Minister went on to say that India is supporting global efforts to address climate change. He recalled the 2015 COP summit in Paris, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi gathered support from the Global South to collectively address climate change through the Paris Agreement adopted at COP21. He added that, during COP21, it was agreed that developed countries, which had enjoyed the fruits of emitting carbon and "messing up the climate", would pay a greater price and support developing and underdeveloped countries by pledging $100 billion a year. However, he said that 11 years later, developed countries had not even released a "nickel or dime" of the promised amount.

Goyal also criticised the European Union’s carbon tax on steel, warning that the bloc was “inviting disaster” with the measure.

EU ‘inviting disaster’ with carbon tax on steel: Goyal

In a separate discussion, Goyal criticised the European Union’s carbon tax on steel, warning that the bloc was “inviting disaster” through measures that could drive up living costs and weaken its industries’ ability to compete.

Speaking at the Berlin Global Dialogue, he said the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), alongside other regulatory requirements, could make steel and other industrial materials more expensive, hurting businesses and consumers across Europe.

“You put a CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) on yourself. You put a 50 per cent import duty to bring steel into your country. You’re inviting disaster. Your cost of living will go up,” Goyal said.

About the Author

Swati Gandhi is a digital journalist with over four years of experience, specialising in international and geopolitical issues. Her work focuses on foreign policy, global power shifts, and the political and economic forces shaping international relations, with a particular emphasis on how global developments affect India. She approaches journalism with a strong belief in context-driven reporting, aiming to break down complex global events into clear, accessible narratives for a wide readership.<br><br> Previously, Swati has worked at Business Standard, where she covered a range of beats including national affairs, politics, and business. This diverse newsroom experience helped her build a strong grounding in reporting, while also strengthening her ability to work across both breaking news and in-depth explanatory stories. Covering multiple beats early in her career has helped her be informed about her current work, allowing her to connect domestic developments with wider international trends.<br><br> At Live Mint, she focuses on international and geopolitical issues through a business and economic lens, examining how global political developments, foreign policy decisions, and power shifts impact markets, industries, and India’s strategic and economic interests.<br><br> She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English (Honours) from the University of Delhi and a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University. Her academic training has shaped her emphasis on precision, analytical rigour, and clarity in writing. Her interests include global political economy and the intersection of geopolitics with business.<br><br> Outside work, Swati focuses on exploring her passion and love for food. From fancy cafes to street spots, Swati explores food like a true foodie.