India in close co-ordination with several countries including Africa, have prepared an integrated document emphasising on equitable access to atmospheric space for all.<br/><br/>The integrated draft prepared by Brazil, South Africa, India and China has been merged with another text prepared by the Africa group within the G77.This was disclosed by the Environment Minister Mr. Jairam Ramesh in Copenhagen last evening. Ahead of the ministerial-level meeting, Mr.Ramesh said that India would not compromise on its three key principles — no legally binding emission cuts, no peaking year and no international review of domestic-funded mitigation actions.<br/><br/>The minister asserted that the outcome of the talks must be within the UN Framework on Climate Change with focus on the Kyoto Protocol and the Bali Action Plan. The environment minister said that this is not the right time to talk of a new agreement and India would not divert from the two track process — Kyoto Protocol and Long Term Cooperative action. He said New Delhi is keen to facilitate an agreement on 18th of December in the given frame work. Ahead of the formal ministerial meeting, much heat was generated in the informal talks. Reports said that India and China came under a concerted attack from rich nations that led to for a three-hour suspension of dialogue.<br/><br/>But an Indian government delegate denied it. AIR correspondent Vijay Raina reports from Copenhagen that this incident has again pushed back possibility of any strong outcome at the summit. After several days of discussions rich countries continue to refuse any significant cuts in their emissions of greenhouse gases which are warming the planet.<br/><br/>At the same time no meaningful amount of money has been put on the table to help poor countries cope with climate change effects. Instead, delegates from rich countries blame emerging economies for not agreeing to legally binding emission reduction targets.<br/><br/>The rosy side of the picture for India is that its proposal to set up a network of climate innovation centres in various countries for developing and sharing green technologies has been accepted and will form the basis of the Copenhagen agreement when it is finally released. Pradeep Saha a noted expert on Climate Change cautions that an agreement taking care of the concerns of all is necessary to save the planet earth.<br/><br/>The heated discussions on the issue have already warmed the chilly atmosphere. Observers are hopeful of a last minute push by the heads of the states and governments to reach a consensus on the issue.<br/><br/>
News On AIR | December 15, 2009 10:43 AM
India prepares an integrated document at Copenhagen Summit emphasizing equitable access to atmospheric space for all