Kyoto Protocol must be preserved: India

NEW DELHI: India has said that the continuation of the Kyoto Protocol was essential to safeguard future of the global climate change negotiations process. Many countries argue the second commitment period for the protocol is possible when emerging economies like India and China agree to limit their emissions. New Delhi had clarified that while it recognises the need for a global goal to limit emissions, it can't happen at the cost of the economic growth of developing countries. India emissions will not peak for another three to four decades, during which time it will address its development imperatives.

Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh outlined India's position on these key issues at the Petersberg Dialogue, jointly convened by Germany and South Africa, to identify the deliverables at Durban and build the required political environment. "If the Kyoto Protocol dies, the entire climate change negotiating process will be delivered a fatal body blow. The Kyoto Protocol as a political and legal pacthas great value and must be preserved," Ramesh told the Berlin ministerial attended by 50 countries representing the entire spectrum of interests in the climate negotiations.

He argued that the Kyoto Protocol, which has acquired iconic status, is a "carefully negotiated" treaty. In arguing for the need for a second commitment period for the Protocol, Ramesh said that it "more than mere targets. There is a whole architecture of compliance and accounting rules."

He made it clear that the first order of business would be to ensure that Kyoto Protocol continues to be in existence. India is of the view that discussions on the quantum of emission cuts taken by developed nations should not result in a move that imperils the agreement.