The Hindu : Front Page : India can show the way, says Al Gore

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Sunday, Mar 16, 2008
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India can show the way, says Al Gore

Aarti Dhar

‘It can develop technologies to combat climate change’

NEW DELHI: India could lead the world in renewable energy technologies as part of a solution to the climate change crisis, said the former United States Vice-President, Al Gore.

India had proven its capability in information technology, pharma and other sophisticated sectors, and could be a leader in developing new energy technologies to combat climate change, the Nobel Peace Prize winner said.

Mr. Gore was speaking at a function to mark the launch of the India chapter of ‘The Climate Project’ here on Saturday.

“Fast-developing countries like India have a right to aspire for higher standards of living and set whatever goals they think are appropriate.”

Mr. Gore said this to a question on the differences between the developed and developing countries on greenhouse gas emission cuts. “India itself is vulnerable to effects of climate change and can be a part of the solution.”

Mr. Gore, who is championing the cause of combating climate change, said the U.S. was the largest source of pollution and most responsible for creating the problem, and that there was need for a change in the U.S. policy on climate. Whoever comes to the White House after the presidential polls would have to take necessary steps.

Asked whether economic recession fears and paucity of time before the December 2009 climate meet would push aside climate change issues from the agenda of the new U.S. President, Mr. Gore said they were working on building a “groundswell of public opinion” to ensure that the U.S. took a position of leadership on climate change in the Copenhagen conference. The 2009 climate meet aims at concluding a comprehensive new global climate treaty to replace the Kyoto Protocol by 2013.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the function, environmentalist and chairman of the Nobel Peace Prize winner Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) R.K. Pachauri supported the India-U.S. civil nuclear agreement and said it would be a “mistake” if India did not go ahead with the deal.

Dr. Pachauri said he was strongly in favour of the nuclear deal and did not see any downside to it. “Nuclear energy will have a place in the coming days and we cannot shut out that option, though there are some technological issues which need to be addressed. But as far as green house gas emission is concerned, it is the best alternative,” he said.

“Daunting challenge”

Dr. Pachauri also said “unprecedented understanding and knowledge across the globe” was needed to tackle the “daunting challenge” of climate change. The corporate sector, political leaders, civil society and the research community would have to come together for a solution and creating public awareness was important.

He said the national action plan on climate change was likely to be announced in June, which would pave the way for a National Policy on Climate Change.

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