India third biggest greenhouse gas emitter: Government

NEW DELHI: India is the third biggest greenhouse gas emitter with its contribution standing at 5.3 per cent behind countries like China and the USA, the Government said in Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

"As per current information available, the countries which are the largest contributor, in percentage term regarding greenhouse gas emissions are China 19.5 per cent, USA 19.2 per cent, India 5.3 per cent, Russia 5.1 per cent, Japan 3.6 per cent and Germany 2.6 per cent," Environment Minister Jayanthi Natarajan said.

In her written reply to CPI-M MP Susmita Bauri, Natarajan said the Government has taken steps to reduce the carbon emission intensity.

"India will endeavour to reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 20 to 25 per cent in comparison to the 2005 level," she said narrating the programmes initiated by the Government to cut the emission.