Prakash Javadekar at 18th BASIC ministerial meeting on climate change

Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (Independent Charge) Prakash Javadekar addressed the 18th BASIC (Brazil, South Africa, India and China) ministerial meeting on climate change held here today.

Javadekar said, "We are very firm on our views. On each consultative process that is on, even the small differences will be solved and we will put up a united view on the bodies."

"What we found out that even on mitigation front, our actions, South Africa's, Brazil and China's action, are more concrete than many of the developed countries. And therefore, I will suggest that we will make compendium of what we have done actually. We will put it before the world community," he added.

On asked as to what extent India's position on climate talks have shifted or changed under the new government, he said, "We have laid more emphasis. For the first time in budget we have created Climate Action Fund and Adaptation fund. We have taken Himalayan initiative and are in the process of deciding the coastal, island, desert and forest initiative.

All the 27 states have their state initiative plans ready. We want major cities also to come up with their own action plans. So we want to make it a public movement. Climate change is not limited to discussions but we want to put that practice on ground.

As you all know, the Gujarat chief minister has not only penned book on climate change, or has added 'nomenclature climate change' to the Ministry of Climate and Forest, but is committed on this issue. Therefore, he is into finding innovative solutions.

The canals in Gujarat on top which the solar panels were placed, gave three advantages. One, evaporation of flowing water was stopped. Energy was produced without new space. And third, as the cool water was flowing below, 16per cent more efficiency was achieved in power generation.

So, we are committed. That's the new focus."

Today's participation saw Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Zhenhua, Vice Chairman, Minister National Development and Reform Commission, China, Teixeira, Minister of Environment, Brazil and Molewa, Minister of Environmental Affairs, South Africa.

The two- day meeting is scheduled to discuss important issues relating to the current UNFCC climate change negotiations especially on matters pertaining to the Adhoc Working Group on the Durban Platform discussion on 2015 outcome.

The BASIC Ministerial meeting provides an important opportunity to Environment Minister of BASIC countries ( Brazil, South Africa, India and China ) to enhance coordination on important issues under consideration in Climate Change negotiators and to arrive at a common position on such issues.

The BASIC ministers have been meeting regularly since COP Copenhagen to exchange views and evolve a coordinated approach on important negotiating issues. The meetings are hosted by rotation in member countries during each quarter of the year.