To combat threats of climate change, India will soon unveil a detailed roadmap for a low-carbon growth strategy, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said on Tuesday.
“Post-Copenhagen, our priority will be to cut emission intensity by 20-25 per cent by 2020 on 2005 levels which is not only eminently feasible but which can also be improved upon the benefit of our own people,” he said.
In this direction, the Planning Commission has been asked to constitute a committee of experts to prepare a detailed a road-map for low carbon growth giving a term of reference on what we can do, Mr. Ramesh said.
“It will submit the report within next three or four months to be implemented in the 12th five year plan,” the Minister said.
He, however, made it clear that these commitments were voluntarily, unilateral and not legally binding.
Impressed by the climate actions being taken by China, Mr. Ramesh observed that the neighbouring country negotiated on the basis of what it is doing at the domestic level. “We too need to emphasize on domestic action and climate diplomacy,” the Minister said.
He expressed confidence in ten years from now; India could be selling green technology. Many Indian companies have seen business opportunities in this area.
“This is an opportunity for India to be moving ahead,” Mr. Ramesh said.
