No legally binding emission curbs: Ramesh

Refusing to be pushed by the US on putting a cap on emissions, India today said it would not accept any “legally binding” reductions but assured that its carbon footprint would never exceed that of developed nations. 

Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh asserted that New Delhi was “simply not in a position” to accept any legally binding emission reductions and made it clear that India was not running away from responsibilities on the issue. 

The minister’s comments came at a joint press conference with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton after she toured the ITC Green Building here which showcases environment-friendly practices in India. 

The US wants India to agree to limit its carbon emissions ahead of the signing of a new UN climate treaty in Copenhagen in December. 

Giving a suggestion in this regard, Clinton pointed out that India's green house gas pollution was projected to grow by about 50 per cent between now and 2030 and the country was vulnerable to climate change. 

However, she said that the US does not and will not do anything that would limit India's economic progress. Ramesh underlined India's stand that its GHG emissions would never exceed those of the developed nations. He said India was firmly anchored in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Bali Action Plan.