Developed world should cut emission, transfer technology:India

Dharam Shourie

United Nations, Oct 29 (PTI) Pointing out that developing
states are "most vulnerable" to the impact of climate change,
India has asked developed nations to allow transfer of
advanced clean technologies to them at concessional rates.

It advocated an integrated approach to sustainable
development, with simultaneous emphasis on three "pillars" of
economic development, social advancement and environmental
protection.

"Such an approach is key to ensuring the achievement of
development goals, particularly eradication of poverty and
hunger," Indian delegate Rajeev Shukla, Member of Parliament,
told the U.N. General Assembly's economic and financial
committee on Tuesday.

India's energy efficiency is among the best in the world,
Shukla said, assuring the delegates that New Delhi would
ensure that per capita emission of greenhouse gases does not
exceed those of the developed world even as it pursues its
development goals.

But simultaneously, he also emphasised that the reducing
the emission of greenhouse gases which contribute to global
warming must be based on the principle of common but
differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities as
well as historical responsibilities of developed countries.

"Developed countries must undertake deeper emission
reduction commitments, assist developing countries with
financing, without diverting funds meant for development, and
technology transfer," he said, emphasising that greater
international support is also needed to support the adaptation
efforts of the developing countries.

Justifying his stand, Shukla pointed out that developing
states have to bear the brunt of negative effects of climate
change despite having contributed least to the problem.

Besides, the developing countries are "most vulnerable"
to the impacts of the climate change and lack means to tackle
them, he told the delegates.

In this context, Shukla underlined the need for the
developed nations to change their mindset to allow transfer of
critical technologies related to climate change to developing
countries at concessional and preferred rates.

"If we are serious about confronting climate change as an
unprecedented global challenge, we must be willing to balance
rewards for innovators with the common good of humankind and
introduce necessary flexibilities in the Intellectual Property
Rights regime," Shukla said.

He also called for conservation, protection and
sustainable use of generic resources. The international regime
on access to generic resource must contain provisions for
mandatory disclosure of the country of origin, prior informed
consent in intellectual property rights applications and fair
and equitable sharing of benefits, he said.

Stressing on the need to keep the challenges faced by the
Small Island Developing States (S.I.D.S.) in view, Shukla said
India has been cooperating with them in several areas
including capacity building, natural disaster preparedness,
adapting to climate change and enhancing resilience.

But what is urgently required is enhanced financial and
technical support by developed countries, he added

"We are privileged to have been able to contribute to the
development efforts of SIDS in the spirit of South-South
cooperation," Shukla told the delegates.