Indian PM signs historic pledge

However, the Indian government has said that though it will not allow the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to exceed the average per capita emission of developed countries, it will refuse any cap on emissions as the country's focus is on eradicating poverty and enhancing economic growth. According to Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh, “A legally binding emission reduction target endangers India's energy conservation, food security and transport." The minister also said that India would not accept the provision in a U.S. Congress bill which will impose trade penalties on countries that fail to cut GHG emissions. Ironically, a recent Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) review states that damage to forests, rivers and marine life could halve living standards for the world's poor.]