India tackles climate change with renewable energy

Maseeh Rahman in Delhi
guardian.co.uk,
Tuesday July 1, 2008


India has for the first time indicated its willingness to work with China to combat the effects of climate change in the Himalayas. Photographer: Frederic Soltan
Solar power and other renewable energy sources will get priority under India's climate action plan (pdf) unveiled by prime minister Manmohan Singh in Delhi yesterday.
The plan does not commit to a target for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, placing a greater emphasis on continued economic growth. However, it does seek to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and increase energy efficiency.
"Our vision is to make India's economic development energy-efficient," said Singh. "Over a period of time, we must pioneer a graduated shift from economic activity based on fossil fuels to one based on non-fossil fuels."
Eight "national missions" will be set up to form the core of the climate action plan. Besides solar energy and energy efficiency, there will also be initiatives that focus on water use, afforestation, agriculture, sustainability in urban environments, the Himalayan ecosystem and scientific research.
India unveiled its climate action plan ahead of next week's G8 summit in Japan which is expected to include measures on how to combat climate change. Singh will be attending, as India is one of the four special invitees.
A general election in India is expected early next year, but observers believe this should not derail the climate action plan. "The missions have to define their work plan by December," said Dr Leena Srivastava, executive director of the Tata Energy Research Institute. "This is adequate time, especially since there is already an elaborate technical report providing a basis."
India is the fourth biggest contributor of greenhouse gases in the world, adding around 4% of the global total. But its annual per capita emissions remain low at 1.2 tonnes, compared with 20 tonnes in the US and the world average of 4 tonnes. It therefore argues that the developed world, which is responsible for the majority of emissions, should take the greater responsibility for cuts.
"For a country with over 50% of its population without access to electricity, 90% of its rural population dependent on biomass to meet cooking requirements, and over 70% of its required infrastructure yet to come in place, it is unreasonable to expect targets for emission control," said Srivastava.
By setting up an initiative on the Himalayan ecosystem, India has for the first time also signalled its willingness to launch a joint effort to combat the impacts of climate change not just with its South Asian neighbours but also with China.
It will bring together climatologists, glaciologists and other experts to develop measures for sustaining and safeguarding the Himalayan glaciers and ecosystems now under threat from global warming.