India's per capita emission 70% below world avg: report

Despite being the fourth largest economy, India's per capita emission levels are 70 per cent below world average and 93 per cent lower than those in the US, says a latest report on climate change.

Jointly prepared by business chamber Assocham and consultancy firm Ernst and Young, the report highlighted that carbon emissions in India increased by 65 per cent between 1990 and now and are projected to grow by close to 70 per cent in the next decade or so.

But it remained low as compared to other major economies, accounting for only two per cent of cumulative energy-related emissions since many decades.

On a per capita basis, India's emissions are 70 per cent below world average and 93 per cent below the level in the US.

Thus, following principle of common but differentiated responsibility, India maintains that major responsibility of curbing emissions rests with developed countries, which have accumulated emissions over a long period of time, pointed out the report that comes at a time when tough negotiations are on at the Copenhagen climate meet.

Quoting the findings, Assocham President Swati Piramal said in a statement that India's greenhouse gas intensity is currently close to 20 per cent lower than world average and 15 per cent and 14 per cent lower than the US and China, respectively.

The report has attributed to decline in energy intensity to improved energy efficiency, increased use of renewable and nuclear power, enhanced public transport system and energy pricing reforms.