Climate change the historical responsibility of the developed world: India

Environment minister says billions of people suffering from climate change cannot be ignored, even if the rich, developed countries tried to evade responsibility

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Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said on Wednesday, the present climate change is the historical responsibility of the developed world. He said that the billions of people suffering from climate change cannot be ignored, even if the rich, developed countries tried to evade responsibility, he told reporters after reviewing India's preparedness before the summit. The upcoming Conference of Parties (COP21) conference in Paris this December,would aim to achieve a legally-binding and universal agreement on climate, aiming to keep global warming below 2°C.

The minister added that India's Intended Nationally Determined Contributions are ambitious and have been welcomed by the entire world. He also underscored India's commitment to pursue the issues of climate justice, lifestyles and sustainable practices, addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his recent trip to the US.

Javadekar said, the agreement should be 'progressive and pragmatic' and the accord should deliver 'climate justice' to poorer sections and developing nations. India will also bring up the issue of providing carbon space to developing nations, he added.

Referring to the Earth Overshoot report, Javadekar said that it has already pointed out "that if we continue with the extravagant consumption, we will require five planets and India already values sustainable consumption practice."

India recently announced a "comprehensive and ambitious" pledge to reduce its greenhouse emission intensity by upto 35 per cent by 2030 from 2005 levels, a 75 per cent jump over its present voluntary commitment.