With our commitment through these INDCs we have signalled to the world that though we are not a part of the day problem in the sense that our contribution to emissions is just three percent we are going the entire distance to be a part of the solution,” -Javadekar/ Union environment minister
New Delhi : Judging by the global response to India’s intentionally determined contributions (INDCs) towards climate change ahead of the Paris convention to strike a global accord there has been a dramatic change in the perception about its role .
“From traditional nay sayers or deal breakers we have emerged as the powerful voice of seekers of climate justice,” said union environment minister Prakash Javadekar. In an informal exchange with mediapersons, he dwelt at length on the road ahead for next month’s global event at Paris as well India’s role in shaping the discourse on climate change.” A recent report on the shape of the planet has provided validation for the sustainability of the Indian value based lifestyle. It is based on the intrinsic principle of waste less, want less practiced by all persons irrespective of class and has several recyclable features. It is expected that the global population would stabilise at 9 billion towards the end of century and if we live on the basis of western lifestyle it would require five planets to sustain this population whereas the Indian lifestyle at that level can be sustained by a single planet,” he informed.
“With our commitment through these INDCs we have signalled to the world that though we are not a part of the day problem in the sense that our contribution to emissions is just three percent we are going the entire distance to be a part of the solution,” added Javadekar while stressing that India’s commitment on use of solar power, reducing carbon emissions and development of carbon sinks are massive and ambitious steps require an investment of 2.3 trillion dollars till 2030. Emphasising the principle of climate justice as enunciated by prime minister Narendra Modi, Javadekar said that this has changed the nature of the discourse.
Quoting Modi, he said:” The most adversely affected by climate change are the poor and the downtrodden. When a natural disaster strikes they are hit the hardest. When there are floods, they are rendered homeless. During a quake their homes are destroyed, and this happens irrespective of the country which is suffering.
Thus we want the steps that are being proposed for mitigating the impact of climate change to be in favour of the poor, everywhere.” In the context of the legislative agenda for his ministry, Javadekar said that the bill for theCompensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) is likely to get through the next session of the parliament.
”This would enable us to use the amount of Rs.40,000 available in this fund for afforestation projects. Of these 90 percent would be allocated to the relevant states,” he added.
The minister also informed that in place of existing provisions of criminal punishment for offenders under the environment protection laws, there would be an amendment to include both-civil and criminal punishment depending on the seriousness of the offence. “An inter ministerial consultation on this issue is underway,” he added.
