India launches `climate action' website ahead of Paris meet

PUNE: India on Thursday launched a comprehensive website detailing its plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions in a transparent manner ahead of the global climate change summit scheduled to begin in Paris on November 30.

Announcing this here, Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, said the website (www.justclimateaction.org) offers a 'preview" of the country's climate action plan that aims to reduce carbon emission intensity by 35 per cent by 2030.

"For the first time in the world, a developing country has put together a comprehensive action plan to realise our vision. We have brought together a platform where all our partner agencies can showcase their work," he told reporters.

The website has most of its content in the form of videos that can be shared on personal social media channels. It includes over 40 clippings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speeches outlining various initiatives to curb climate change.

Last month, India submitted to UN Framework Convention on Climate Change its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC), targeting tangible gains in low carbon growth while simultaneously endeavouring to meet developmental challenges that it faces.

INDC includes reduction in the emissions intensity of India's GDP by 33-35 per cent by 2030 from 2005 level and to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5-3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through extra forest and tree cover by 2030.

Asked if New Delhi's commitment on reduction of carbon emission by 35 per cent was a realistic one, the Minister maintained that it was an "achievable" goal with a properly laid-out plan.

Javadekar will be accompanying the Prime Minister for the Paris conference.