PMO discusses climate change

climate change was the main item of discussion in a meeting convened by the prime minister's office. The May 16 meet
focussed on maintaining the current economic growth while cutting down on greenhouse gases. The meeting also came at a time when there is
pressure on developing countries to accept mandatory emission caps in the post Kyoto agreements. But this development did not figure in the
deliberations.

"The meeting took stock of the predicted effects of climate change on India and the country's energy and growth situation," said Sanjay Baru,
media advisor to the prime minister. Baru said that the chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ( class='UCASE'>ipcc), R K Pachauri, has been asked to prepare a report on the challenges that India faces to maintain its growth rate in an
ecologically sustainable manner. Pachauri is expected to present the report in six months.Baru maintained that India's international position
regarding climate change was based on fairness and equity.

There was no discussion on how to work on the solutions and improve clean development mechanism--an arrangement under the Kyoto Protocol
allowing developed countries to invest in emission reducing projects in developing countries. "Pachauri's report will focus on low carbon growth
strategies for India. After it is out, future strategies will be decided upon," Baru added.

However, some say the lack of discussion
on India's position on global warming and strategies to counter international pressure, is worrisome. More so, because India will be facing these
issues at the g8 summit in Germany. "If this was not discussed, then it is very unfortunate," said former environment
minister Suresh Prabhu.