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The Economic Survey 2013-14, announced on Wednesday, appears to be setting the tone for India’s climate change negotiations on global fora.
It is in line with a statement made recently by Prakash Javadekar, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, that India should not be blamed for carbon emissions as it is still on a growth path.
Javadekar had said, “I have not created carbon emission problems, it has been done by others,” referring to the responsibilities of developed nations in mitigating effects of climate change.
The Survey said, “The developed countries, having obligations and responsibilities, need to commit to provision of adequate public funds including for transfer of technology and capacity building to developing countries.”
It added that any new green economy and sustainable development goals would be meaningless without more money and technology commitments from the developed nations.
With some major climate change meetings set to take place, India appears to be making its demand for international dole for climate change mitigation clear.
Agri impactIt also highlights the dangers of climate change for the country, such as adverse effects on agriculture as well as rise in sea level at an average rate of about 1.3 mm per year. It mentions the steps being taken in India, such as some works under the rural jobs scheme and increasing investments in renewable energy.
The thrust of the report is on the need for international financing and the lack of commitment on that front.
Caution on green taxesOn domestic funding for green initiative, it warns that the Government should exercise caution in imposing environment-related taxes as they “may have serious repercussions on other sectors of the economy.”
The Survey seems to be silent on concerns, such as environmental clearances, mining issues and others. However, it highlights slow environmental clearances as an impediment to investments in the ‘Issues and priorities’ of the Government.
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