PM Urges Developed Nations To Help Reduce Carbon Emissions

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has criticized developed countries for failing to provide economic and technological aid to developing nations for reducing carbon emissions. Addressing the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Dr. Singh in strong words hit out at industrialized nations, saying there was little evidence of their support to lesser-developed nations in reducing emission intensity.

"Many countries could do more if additional finance and technology were available. Unfortunately, there is little evidence of support from the industrialised countries in these crucial areas (reducing emissions intensity). The ongoing economic crisis has made matters worse. One of the key challenges that demands urgent global action is the worrying depletion of the bio diversity across our planet," he said.

Describing economic development, social inclusion and environment sustainability as critical components of sustainable development, Dr. Singh asked the world community to give shape to balanced architecture.

"Economic development, social inclusion and environmental sustainability are all equally critical as components of sustainable development. The task before us is to give practical shape and content to this architecture in a manner that allows each country to develop according to its own national priorities and circumstances," he said.

Dr. Singh's remark came after the draft document, which was finalized on Tuesday (June 19), laid out aspirations, rather than mandatory goals, on issues like food security, water, and energy. It also called for countries to pursue so-called "sustainable development goals," a vague set of U.N. objectives built around the environment, economic growth, and social inclusion.

Many of those who agreed upon the draft, however, said it was stripped of vital specifics.

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Dr. Singh further called for the use of available natural resources for sustainable development, and urged the world community to shift to cleaner energy sources for better future.

"Sustainable development also mandates the use of available natural resources. We have to be much more frugal in the way we use natural resources. A key area of focus is energy. We have to promote universal access to energy while at the same time promoting energy efficiency and a shift to cleaner energy sources by addressing various technological, financial and institutional constraints," he said.

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Dr. Singh said that although the Rio+20 Summit was held at the time of economic crisis, it was well timed as it focused to develop a mindset of a better and cleaner environment.

"Difficult though it may seem we have to summon the imagination to balance the costs that we will incur in the present with the benefits that will accrue to future generations," he added.

Dr. Singh said that for developing countries, inclusive growth and a rapid increase in per capita income levels were development imperatives.

"Those living at the subsistence level cannot bear the costs of adjustment and their livelihood considerations are important in determining how scarce natural resources such as land, water and forests are used. The severe deterioration of land and water resources is already affecting the well- being of millions of people living on the edges of subsistence, particularly women and children," he said.

Source-ANI