The Hindu : 'India committed to Kyoto Protocol'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Oct 22, 2003

National

National

'India committed to Kyoto Protocol'

By Our Staff Correspondent

NEW DELHI Oct. 21. The Union Minister for Environment and Forests, T.R. Baalu, today said that India was committed to the cause of global environment and sustainable development by acceding to the Kyoto Protocol.

Launching the National Strategy Study for Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) implementation in India, Mr. Baalu said work was on to prepare a national inventory of greenhouse gases, identification of vulnerability and adaptation concerns and the steps taken for implementation of the Protocol.

``Climate change is a matter of grave concern for developing countries like India which are highly vulnerable to the potential impact on water resources, natural ecosystems, agriculture and coastal area. Despite India's low share in atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations and its over-riding development priorities, the country is undertaking numerous initiatives that contribute significantly to international efforts for atmospheric protection, thus adopting a path of climate friendly development,'' he said.

``India's development plans balance economic development and environmental concerns. The planning process is guided by the principles of sustainable development.'' Reforms in the energy and power sector have accelerated economic growth and improved the efficiency of energy use. These have been complemented by notable initiatives taken by the private sector. In the past few years, several measures have been taken like increasing the capacity of renewable energy installations, improving air quality in major cities and enhancing forestation.

The Swiss Ambassador, Walter Gyger, said that with its large potential of reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, India could significantly influence the emerging carbon market. It is in this perspective that the National Strategy Study (NSS) gains importance and its outcome will be observed with great expectations.

The NSS for CDM has been initiated in India to assess the issues and opportunities presented by potential international markets for greenhouse gases offset through CDM and to evaluate the processes and methodologies to facilitate implementation of CDM in India.

The main output of the year-long study will be the development of a national strategy for India to participate in the global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, utilising this market mechanism as defined under the Kyoto Protocol.

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