Although India has committed itself to the cause of climate change, Prakash Javadekar has asked for clarifications on the $100 billion Green Climate Fund (GCF) which should have been collected by 2020. The Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Environment, Forest and Climate Change says that even though $100 billion was supposed to have been raised each year by 2020, the target hasn’t been achieved till date.
Developed countries were expected to pledge a certain amount to the GCF to help poorer nations who have to invest in alternate sources of energy, make provisions for carbon sinks and afforestation projects, reduce consumption of cheaper sources of power like coal and so on, keeping in mind the fragile state of the Earth. This is because richer states are held historically responsible for greenhouse gas emissions on their path to development.
What’s more, coastal areas such as parts of Bangladesh are fast being taken over by the sea due to the effects of our careless exploitation of the planet. Javadekar noted that every ‘Climate Action’ intended to solve the problem has a cost, while emphasizing on the ‘Polluter Pays’ principle. Nations which do not own up to their responsibility display their refusal to accept the ideology of everyone having the right to equal access to natural resources.
India wishes for the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR) to influence all parts of the climate change agreement that is expected to be signed in Paris later this year. CDBR holds all states responsible for addressing global ecological destruction even if they’re not equally responsible. It recognizes the differences in levels of economic development between countries, under international environmental laws.
Also see: Javadekar asks developed countries to draft pre-2020 plan
Javadekar insists that countries in the process of preparing their Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) must be informed about the quantum of international financial assistance, and classification of private sector investments. The GCF must be mobilized quickly and eco-friendly technologies made available to poorer states. And developed nations have been requested to present their pre-2020 action plan before the Paris climate change conference.
Without being offered clarity on the sources of the $100 billion GCF and the flow of finance, India feels there’s little reason to believe in the credibility of commitments made towards climate change.