India says, developed countries should not expect miracles at the key Copenhagen climate summit in December and the goals sought for emission controls should be more realistic. Speaking at the Columbia University in New York, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh indicated that the control limits being sought by advanced countries are too high.<br/><br/>In significant comments ahead of the summit, Mr. Ramesh said India should not be singled out as the obstructionist and instead industrialized countries should agree on realistic targets for cutting emissions by 2020.<br/><br/>He said that the December summit should focus on consensus on areas such as afforestation to promote carbon sequestration, strengthening the Clean Development Mechanism and technology-sharing.<br/><br/>The minister said that instead of being bogged down by international regime, India would pursue unilateral voluntary measures at a national level. These would include mandatory fuel efficiency standards, renewable energy initiatives, clean coal technologies, and lower methane farming. Mr. Ramesh said these voluntary mitigation measures would soon be worked into legislation.
News On AIR | September 19, 2009 4:11 PM
Don’t expect miracles at Copenhagen: Jairam Ramesh