India expresses disappointment over low level of climate support by developed countries

Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar on Tuesday expressed disappointment over low level of climate ambition and support provided by developed countries.

"It is imperative that the developed countries, which have a historical responsibility and also larger capability, must make visible efforts in providing financial and technological support to the developing world. But unfortunately it has not come, the way it should have," he said.

Stressing that the Paris agreement must fully respect the Convention of principles, especially the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR), which is India's strong position, the minister said: "There is no question of diluting these principles, which continue to remain important. The Paris agreement, which we are negotiating, has to be under the Convention. It is for enhanced and sustained implementation. This is fundamental."

"The new agreement must also meaningfully make these principles effectively operational in its various elements. Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) and the new agreement cannot be limited to mitigation alone. This is not only about mitigation. There must be equal emphasis on adaptation and support, which is critical," stated Javadekar in his opening remarks at the press conference of BASIC (Brazil, South Africa, India and China) nations here.

Highlighting India's favour for a robust mechanism for transparency, the minister said: "This mechanism has continued to differentiate between developed and developing countries as per the existing system, which is based on objective guidelines of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate (UNFCCC)."

"The guidelines can be improved upon. The current process has been put in place recently and is yet to be implemented fully. We must first implement it and take the next steps for any possible adjustment," he said.

He said, "Our deliberations in the next 100 hours depend upon our collective wisdom. It is now up to all of us to summon the necessary political will to reach an agreement. India is committed to a successful Paris. I am happy to share this platform with our BASIC colleagues. BASIC stands together for climate ambition, equity and solidarity with all the developing countries.

"We have showed through our action that we have aggressively tackled climate change, contributing to dealing with global problems that need our collective efforts.