National

Undue burden of climate change: Chidambaram

United Nations: Developing countries are bearing an “inordinate” share of the burden of climate change due to a high level of emissions of developed nations, Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram said on Monday.

His remarks, at a high-level conference on climate change called by the United Nations, came even as the G-77, representing 130 developing countries including India and China, urged industrialised economies to honour their pledges on curbing greenhouse gas pollution and help poor nations cope with the impact of climate change.

Mr. Chidambaram pointed out that India’s per capita emission of carbon dioxide “is among the lowest in the world — it is approximately one tonne per annum, as against a world average of four tonnes per annum.”

“The developing countries are obliged to significantly augment their capacity to cope with and adapt to climate change,” he said and stressed the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities.”

However, India, being an energy deficient country, was obliged to explore every option to produce and procure energy.

Speaking on behalf of the G-77, Pakistan Environment Minister Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat said rich countries should deepen their reduction commitments in the next phase of the Kyoto Protocol and also help poorer nations avoid increases in their own pollution and tackle the impact of climate change. — PTI

© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu