Fulfil climate vows: India to rich nations

NEW DELHI: India on Thursday reminded rich nations of their pre-2020 climate goals with business leaders and ministers from different countries assembling here to discuss how private businesses can work together with governments to achieve the goal under Paris Agreement beyond 2020.

India’s consistent stand on the issue was articulated by environment minister Harsh Vardhan who said though India was fully committed to its climate actions under the Paris deal, it was “critical and necessary that equal focus is given to pre-2020 actions by developed countries” under Kyoto Protocol.

Addressing a global Business and Climate Summit, Vardhan reminded rich nations of their commitment of providing effective finance, technology transfer and capacity-building to support developing countries.


The Kyoto Protocol, which was adopted in 1997, had binding targets for emissions reduction only for 38 developed countries.

Its second commitment period extends from 2013-2020. Unlike Kyoto Protocol, the Paris Agreement is more comprehensive because it has universal application to all countries. The commitments under the Paris Agreement will come into effect from January 1, 2021.

He noted that countries also need to agree on a timeline for early ratification of the second commitment period (2013-2020) of Kyoto Protocol in order to strengthen the pre-2020 actions and close the emission gap.

The minister pitched for this in the presence of UNFCCC executive secretary Patricia Espinosa at the inaugural day of the summit which is being organised by Ficci in association with the environment ministry and the government of Sweden.

Calling the private sector an integral part of India’s action on climate change, Vardhan said, “Private sector has embarked on a number of actions.

Indian industry has participated in voluntary carbon disclosure programmes whereby they report their carbon management strategy and GHG emissions.”The minister also stated that India was planning to establish a voluntary “carbon market” with World Bank assistance focusing on uncovered areas.