The Hindu : New Delhi News : Need to cut emissions underlined

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Wednesday, Nov 21, 2007
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New Delhi

Need to cut emissions underlined

Staff Reporter

London Mayor shows the way

NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, London Mayor Ken Livingstone and TERI (The Energy Research Institute) Director R. K. Pachauri on Tuesday emphasised the need for active cooperation among cities to tackle the problem of climate change. They were addressing a conference on “Planet City: Partners in Globalisation” here.

At the conference, Mr. Livingstone also launched the Tree Planting Database for London which builds on the work that is already being done in the field by Delhi. The project has been inspired by Delhi’s massive tree planting initiative that has helped secure its reputation as one of the world’s greenest capital cities.

The London Mayor, who had launched “Right Trees for London’s Changing Climate Project”, which will allow professionals to access data on a range of suitable tree species, also highlighted the comprehensive programme London is undertaking to cut emissions by 60 per cent through its climate change action plan that includes imposition of a congestion charge and green homes programme.

“Urban areas are responsible for over three-quarters of greenhouse gas emissions, so the battle to prevent catastrophic climate change will be won or lost in cities,” said Mr. Livingstone, adding that, “by working together, cities are putting themselves at the forefront of the challenge to mitigate and adapt to climate change”.

Ms. Dikshit told the conference about the strategy behind Delhi’s tree planting programme and how efforts were being made to improve the city’s air quality through the world’s largest network of eco-friendly CNG fuel buses, as well as recycling and water initiatives.

The Chief Minister said her government was committed to taking the most feasible practical steps for mitigation of carbon emissions in Delhi. She said the international conference on climate change -- wherein mayors of the top 40 cities of the world had participated -- had commended Delhi’s efforts in becoming one of the greenest cities in a short period of nine years. She also said that the upcoming Commonwealth Games-2010 had provided a great opportunity for Delhi and would be critical in its bid for the Olympics in 2020.

Public transport

Stating that public transport would substantially improve in the years to come, she said a time would come when people would like to travel in city transport despite owning vehicles.

She also used the opportunity to state that greening of the Bhatti Mines area in South Delhi was a success story that had transformed terrain rocks into a green area.

Dr. Pachauri, Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that had won the Nobel Peace Prize this year with AI Gore for their joint efforts to build up and disseminate greater knowledge about man-made climate change, spoke about the measures that are needed to tackle this change in climate that is causing a lot of concern to all.

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