Question

Describe India's stand on environmental issues with the help of four examples.

Hint:

Write four points: Kyoto, common but differentiated responsibility, low per capita emission and policies at home.
Give one or two lines for each.

Answer 1

Step 1: Introduction:
India takes part in global talks on the environment and shares the view that environmental protection and development must go together.
Its stand can be seen in four main points.

Step 2: Point 1: Kyoto Protocol:
India signed and ratified the Kyoto Protocol in August 2002.
Under the Protocol, India, like China and other developing countries, was exempted from binding targets for cutting emissions.
The reason is that these countries were not the major emitters in the past.

Step 3: Point 2: Common but differentiated responsibilities:
India argues that all countries share the duty to protect the environment, but the duties are not equal.
Developed countries industrialised earlier and caused most of the present pollution, so they must bear more of the burden.

Step 4: Point 3: Low per capita emissions and right to development:
India states that its per capita emissions are very low compared with those of developed countries.
It says that developing countries must be allowed to grow, so limits on emissions should not block their development.

Step 5: Point 4: Steps taken at home:
India has taken its own steps, such as the National Auto-fuel Policy that makes cleaner fuels compulsory for vehicles, the Energy Conservation Act 2001 and the Electricity Act 2003 that encourage renewable energy.
It also asks the developed world to give funds and technology to help the developing countries.

Final Answer:
India supports global action on the environment, but wants equal treatment based on differentiated responsibility, low per capita emissions, ratification of Kyoto and its own policies.