If Rich Nations Cooperate, India Will Do More on Climate Change: PM
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said that India is willing to do more on global efforts to combat climate change if there are ‘credible’ arrangements from rich nations on financial support and technology transfers.
“Climate change cannot be addressed by perpetuating the poverty of the developing countries,” Singh said.
In a statement before his departure for climate change summit in Copenhagen, the prime minister said that India, as a responsible member of the international community, has announced that it will cut down emissions intensity by 20-25 % in 2020 as compared to 2005.
Singh said that India has initiated a comprehensive Action Plan on Climate Change and the eight National Missions have been established.
“We are willing to do more provided there are credible arrangements to provide both additional financial support as well as technological transfers from developed to developing countries,” he said.
Prime Minister’s statement came at a time when climate change negotiations have come to a standstill following protest by Africa bloc.
Singh said that every citizen of the globe has equal entitlement of the global atmospheric space and in keeping with this principle; he announced that India would maintain its per capita emissions at a level lower than the average per capita emissions of developed countries.
“It is India’s view that global warming is taking place and taking place here and now and its adverse consequences will impact most heavily on developing countries like India.
“As a responsible member of the international community, India is, therefore, fully committed to working with the rest of the world to preserve and protect our environment. This is our common heritage, and this is what we must bequeath to our succeeding generations,” he said.
Singh said that he looked forward to constructive deliberations in Copenhagen which meet the collective aspirations of all humankind and enable them to move forward in the global efforts to combat climate change.
The day-long summit tomorrow is expected to be attended by US President Barack Obama, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown besides other world leaders.
Singh noted that the United Nations Framework Conference on Climate Change in Copenhagen (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol embodies the international agreed regime for addressing the global challenge of climate change.
“The UNFCCC is founded on the principle of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities,” he said.
Singh said that at the 13th Conference of Parties in Bali, it was agreed to launch an Action Plan to enhance the implementation of the UNFCCC.
“The Bali Action Plan seeks to ensure full, effective and sustained implementation of the UNFCCC through long term cooperative action of the Parties upto and beyond 2012,” the Prime Minister said.
