India calls for fresh approach to tackle global warming

New Delhi, July 19 (PTI) Several flaws in carbon
development mechanism (C.D.M.) scheme of the United Nations
have defeated its purpose, India said today and suggested a
fresh approach at local level to tackle global warming.

Pointing that benefits are not reaching locals under
the present C.D.M. system, Minister of Science and Technology
Kapil Sibal said, "Whatever the world talk about C.D.M.
market, the truth is that what we really forget that despite
of huge investment in India, no real transfer of technology
has taken place."

India currently accounts for nearly 14 percent of the
world's total multi-billion dollar C.D.M. market which allows
developed nations to give financial incentives to companies in
developing countries to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

He alleged that most people taking advantage of the
CDM are settled abroad and use local technology to earn carbon
credit. "As a result, the C.D.M. which aims to curb carbon
emissions is not happening. Therefore, we need to think afresh
on how to make the C.D.M. mechanism more effective," Sibal
said at a summit titled "Clean Development Mechanism and
Carbon Trading in India" which was organised by the Assocham.

Lashing out at developed nations for asking developing
nations to cut emissions, he said the issue needs to be looked
at in the context of financial limitations and human resource
capabilities of populated countries like India and China which
are trying to eliminate poverty.

"We are looking at sustainable development for
reducing the carbon emissons. Unless solutions are affordable
and accessible, it cannot be achieved," Sibal added.

Sibal stressed on the need for clean and green
technologies. "We need to think out of the box. Burning and
problematic issues need to be sorted out by discussing at
global forums."

A well-planned approach has to be taken in C.D.M. to
ensure that investments are made in such a manner that the
impact is on local market.

"Presently, the international community is thinking
globally and acting locally. Instead, it should think
locally and act locally as well. Only then we will be actually
working towards reducing global warming," he said. PTI