India’s position on Climate Change: Statement submitted to PM

The campaign statement was submitted to the Prime Minister of India on 19 November 2009 with the list of signatories as on this date.

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To
Dr.Manmohan Singh
Hon’ble Prime Minister of India
South Block, Secretariat
New Delhi – 110001 November 18, 2009

Subject: India’s position on Climate Change


Respected Dr.Singh,

Even as the Copenhagen Conference draws near, nations and peoples of the world appear no closer to the international agreement so essential to stave off possible irreversible climate change and potentially disastrous impacts especially in India, South Asia and developing countries as a whole.

It is universally acknowledged that industrially developed countries are primarily responsible for the crisis and therefore must shoulder the maximum burden of tackling it as per the principles delineated in the UNFCCC and along the lines called for by the the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report and the Bali Action Plan. At the same time, it is also widely perceived that India as a leading voice among developing countries has not done enough on the international stage to push for a global Treaty that addresses the science of climate change as well as concerns about equity both between and within countries.

A group of dedicated and experienced academics, civil society organizations, policy experts and others with expertise on climate change have been intensively working together for the past two years on the various issues involved. A Statement outlining a policy stance for India both internationally and for domestic action has now been endorsed by leading organizations and individuals under the banner of a “Campaign for Progressive Climate Policy in India”, and is enclosed herewith. The signatories believe that this Statement embodies a perspective and plan of action that answers many of the questions that have so far bedeviled both the global negotiations as well as the Indian position therein.

The Statement is commended for your personal perusal and that of your policy advisors. We would welcome the opportunity for a small delegation to discuss the same with you at your convenience.