The Indian delegation, headed by Environment Minister Jayanthi Natarajan, countered a campaign by the European Union to label India a ‘deal-breaker'. In her first outing as India's chief climate change negotiator, Natarajan succeeded in getting the country 10 years' time, before a new treaty to curb emissions comes into being. She also managed to put the principle of equity, ensuring equal development opportunities for all, back on the table. Natarajan countered the EU position: “Am I to sign away the livelihoods and sustainability of 1.2 billion Indians without even knowing what the EU roadmap contains?"
The minister fought hard for equity and Common But Differentiated Responsibility (CBDR) to be included as the bases for any new treaty. “My concern is that there is no reference to the fundamental principle of equity and CBDR in the bigger picture," she said. After her intervention, equity was established as the basis for any further agreement. It was agreed that all countries would finalise a new climate treaty by 2015, requiring legally-binding emission cuts.
“At Durban, India's proposal on equity has been included in the work plan for the next conference. It is an important move ahead," said Sunita Narain, director, Centre for Science and Environment.
In a marked change from the Jairam Ramesh era, India returned to its traditional positions. Even before the summit, India had made its priorities clear, including equitable access to sustainable development, unilateral trade measures and intellectual property rights. In Durban, India found an unflinching ally in China, and also received support from developing economies.
Natarajan hit out at critics: “I was astonished by the comments of my colleague from Canada who was pointing at us as to why we are against the roadmap. I am disturbed that a legally binding protocol to the convention is now being junked in a cavalier manner." Read the full report here.
Source: by Soni Mishra, The Week.
