Ban Ki-moon lauds India’s commitment to slash emissions

Ahead of the COP21 in Paris on November 30, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has lauded India’s commitment to cut emissions and said it indicates ‘seriousness’ in confronting climate change challenges.

Taking note of India’s concerns over the lack of climate ambition by the developed countries on both mitigation and support, the UN chief said that there is no question that developed countries need to take the lead on climate action. “I welcome India’s submission of its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC). I believe it indicates the seriousness with which India is confronting the challenges of climate change, and it will help the world ‘bend’ the temperature projections for the rest of this century,” Mr Ban said.

Promising to cut the intensity of its carbon emissions by 33 to 35 percent by 2030 from 2005 levels, India has said it will make its economy more energy efficient.

While there is no question that developed countries need to take the lead on climate action, all nations, however, have to move forward, Mr Ban urged. “Global emissions are continuing to rise. We have to look at the issue differently. We have to recognise that all countries have to do their part, to the extent they have the resources and capacity to take action,” he added.

Emphasising that countries understand that all nations need to be involved in the solutions, Mr Ban stressed that all need to see that the benefits of low-carbon and should ensure that climate-resilient growth are realised by all nations. “Developed countries need to lead but all countries need to contribute,” he said.

India has repeatedly been stressing that developed countries cannot undermine the core principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities in arriving at a climate deal. Focusing on the needs of the most vulnerable, Mr Ban said: “It has to recognise and respond to the circumstances and needs of the most vulnerable, who have not contributed to the problem of climate change yet have the most to lose due to its impacts.”

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