India blames industrialised nations for climate change crisis

New Delhi, Feb 5 (PTI) India Thursday blamed the
industrialised countries for the crisis of climate change and
sought global action to address the problem.

"We are extremely concerned about climate change.
Especially being a developing country, we would have to bear a
severe impact of its adverse effects even though
responsibility lies in those countries which have been
polluting since industrialisation began," Indian External
Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said.

Speaking at the conference on climate change organised
by The Energy Research Institute, he said, "India recognises
the need for global action to address climate change".

Noting that poverty eradication and rapid economic
development have remained India's priority, he said
environment protection cannot be isolated from the general
issue of development.

"For us, the concept of sustainable development must
include needs of the people for health, nutrition, education,
housing with a view to eradicate poverty and provide life of
dignity in a clean and safe environment," he said at the
conference which is being attended by UN Secretary General Ban
Ki-Moon. PTI BKM