Stating that the industrialized nations consumption patterns unsustainable, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has underscored the need for finding new pathways to sustainable living.

Addressing the plenary session in the ongoing Rio+ 20 Summit last night, the prime minister said the India is implementing an ambitious National Solar Mission as a critical option for its energy security.

Stating that many countries could do more in reducing emissions if additional finance and technology were available the Prime Minister said unfortunately, there is little evidence of support from the industrialised countries in these areas and said the on-going economic crisis has made matters worse.

The Prime Minister said the future we want, should be a future in which there is ecological and economic space for sustainable growth for all.

Expressing happiness over the summit reaffirming the earth summit’s enshrined principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and equity, the Prime minister said this does not, however, mean that countries should not take proactive actions to promote sustainable development.

Pointing out that India has taken proactive measures for sustainable development, Dr Manmohan singh said India’s efforts over the last two decades have yielded positive results. He said during the period 1994-2007, India’s emissions-GDP intensity, excluding agriculture, has declined nearly 25%.

Going a little further on cutting emissions, Dr Singh said the government have set a target to further reduce the emissions intensity of GDP by 20-25% between 2005 and 2020.

Taking cudgels on behalf of the developing countries, the Prime Minister said for developing countries, inclusive growth and a rapid increase in per capita income levels are development imperatives.