Paris: Asserting that climate change is a major global challenge, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday said the world must act with urgency to craft a comprehensive, equitable and durable agreement to limit global warming.
In a forthright address on the margins of the UN climate change summit that got under way, Modi also called for a change in lifestyles so that the burden on the planet is reduced, observing that the lifestyles of a few must not crowd out opportunities for developing countries.
“Climate change is a major global challenge. But it is not of our making,” Modi said, as he inaugurated a unique India Pavilion at the summit venue, showcasing the country’s commitment to combat green-house gas emission.
Noting that the outcome of the summit is very important, the Prime Minister said, “We want the world to work with urgency… We want a comprehensive, equitable and durable agreement in Paris.”
The Prime Minister referred to the need for change in lifestyles both in his address and in an article in the opinion section of Tuesday’s edition of ‘Financial Times’. “And, I will also call for a change in lifestyles, so that we reduce the burden on our planet. For, the enduring success of our efforts will depend on the way we live and think,” he told his audience at the pavilion.
In his article, Modi said, “The lifestyles of a few must not crowd out opportunities for the many still on the first steps of the development ladder.” He also warned developed nations that it would be “morally wrong” if they shift the burden of reducing emissions on developing countries like India, observing that poor nations had a right to burn carbon to grow their economies.
He said India’s progress is “our destiny and right of our people. But we must also lead in combating climate change.” Modi, accompanied by environment minister Prakash Javadekar, went to various stalls at the pavilion and later released a book on environment protection.
“Our pavilion reflected our commitment towards combating climate change,” said Javadekar. The pavilion will also showcase films on adaptation measures taken up by India. Officials said that around 40 films which will have around 21GB of information on adaptations will continuously run on the screen.
