INDIA, alongside China, as a newly-emerging economic powerhouse has also been identified as another major polluter of greenhouse emissions, in which its views and actions would be followed closely at the UN Climate Change Conference in Denmark.

In an interview with the Indian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam, Mr Riwad Warjri, cited the recent example of the joint statement by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and US President Barack Obama of ‘India and the United States: Partnership For Better World’ that collectively declared their shared efforts in ensuring sustainable global development and a clean energy future.

In it, the Indian high commissioner cited the recognition by both leaders of the vital need to create the clean energy economy of the 21″ century, which duly led to the launch of the joint US, India ‘Clean Energy & Climate Change Initiative’.

“The goal of the initiative would be to improve the lives of the people for the benefit of both countries by developing and improving access to technologies that make our energy cleaner, affordable and more efficient.
“This includes cooperation in wind and solar energy, second-generation bio-fuels, unconventional gas, energy efficiency and clean coal technologies including carbon capture and storage,” explained Mr Warjri.
The bilateral initiative is also expected to further enhance the ability of India and the US to provide new economic opportunities for their people and create new clean energy jobs.

The leaders of the two large democracies have also affirmed that the Copenhagen outcome must be comprehensive and cover areas such as mitigation, adaptation, finance and technology, and in accordance with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, it should reflect emission reduction targets of developed countries and nationally appropriate mitigation actions of developing countries.

“There should be full transparency through appropriate processes as to the implementation of aforementioned mitigation actions,” the Indian envoy added.

The outcome of the Copenhagen meeting should further reflect the need for substantially scaled-up financial resources to support mitigation and adaptation in developing countries, in particular, for the poorest and most vulnerable, Mr Warjri commented.

It should also include further measures for promoting technology development, dissemination and transfer and capacity building, including the consideration of a centre or a network of centres to support and stimulate climate innovation.

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