PM seeks constructive approach to combat climate change

Seeking a constructive approach to move forward in the global efforts to combat climate change, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said India is willing to do more provided 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.

He said India, as a responsible member of the international community, has announced that it will reduce the emissions intensity by 20-25 per cent in 2020 as compared to 2005.

Singh noted that India has also launched a comprehensive Action Plan on Climate Change and the eight National Missions have been set up.

"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.

Singh's remarks come as negotiations in Copenhagen have hit a roadblock with no headway being made on agreement on emission cuts, mitigation targets and financing.

Asserting that every citizen of the globe has equal entitlement of the global atmospheric space, the Prime Minister said in keeping with this principle he had announced that India will 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 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.