Don't view climate change 'a business opportunity': Javadekar

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Press Trust of India Washington
Last Updated : Apr 21 2015 | 6:13 PM IST
Talking tough, India today asked developed nations not to view climate change as "a business opportunity" and asserted that it would not allow "bullying" tactics as the days of "bulldozing" were over.
Ahead of the crucial climate conference in Paris later this year, India demanded the developed world "must" fulfil it's financial commitment to ensure that critical technologies are made available at affordable cost.
"India is committed to walk along the road to Paris, hand-in-hand with others for a fair and equitable agreement this year. But it would not join bullying tactics and will not allow yet another Copenhagen in Paris," Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said.
"The days of bulldozing have gone and now we have to work like ants to build the Earth together," Javadekar said at the Major Economies Forum meeting that took place in Washington on April 19-20.
The strong statement from Javadekar came days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asserted that India cannot be forced to "follow" the parameters laid down by the developed world on climate change and instead should lead the world in the fight against it.
"Paris will succeed only if we restrict to ensure that every country present their Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) and that they get implemented. For compliance, the developed world must fulfil it's financial commitment," the Minister said.
"It will also have to ensure that at the very least, critical technologies are available at affordable cost. The developed world should not profit from disaster. Climate change is a challenge and not business opportunity," he said.
The UN climate conference, to be held in Paris from November 30 to December 11 this year, is tasked with finalising a global agreement designed to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
The remarks came a day after the US said there was no divide with India on the issue of climate change and it would like to be the nation's "best partner".
Stating that the US understands the kind of leadership that India wants it to play in climate talks, US Ambassador to India Richard R Verma yesterday said: "I think we are moving out and we need to move out of early 1990s world, which was divided into two camps. We are not in two camps anymore.
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First Published: Apr 21 2015 | 6:13 PM IST

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