India has reason to feel satisfied with the outcome of the recently concluded 17th UN Framework Convention on Climate Change at Durban as some of its long ignored concerns have finally been taken into consideration by the international community. Along with other developing countries, India has done well to insist that its arguments be incorporated in climate change negotiations, much of which have been dominated by the interests of the developed nations. This comes at a time when the process of delegating room and responsibility within the global carbon space — a key element of which is cutting back on current levels of carbon emission — is in a flux. With the first phase of the Kyoto Protocol expiring in 2012, the Durban conference has witnessed a predictable clash between the developed world that is aiming to formulate a regime to reduce its own onus to cut carbon emission, and the developing world which insists that it is committed to saving the environment but demands that the burden be shared equitably. Thankfully, by the end of the conference, at least some of the key concerns expressed by India and other developing countries found their way to the negotiating table. For one, the principle of equity will now be a core element of any new agreement that is formulated. Also, the importance of the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibility, which allows for countries to commit to the process in keeping with their respective capabilities, has been reinforced by India. After all, it is not feasible for India to cut down on carbon emission to the extent the developed world demands because such a drastic cut would hurt industrialisation and stunt growth. It would only pave the way for further environmental degradation and infringe upon India’s right to development. This goes against the principles of climate justice that have formed the essence of India’s argument on carbon emission for a long time now and are shared by the UN as well.
Over the next few years, however, India will have to put up a strong fight to ensure that the principles of equity and CBDR remain on the agenda —the supposedly ‘historic deal’ signed at the end of the conference makes no mention of these. Also, it must thwart moves by the West to shrug off its responsibility by insisting on ‘parity’ of obligations while ignoring the argument of historical emissions. Towards that end, India would do well to continue with its alliance with other developing countries who share similar concerns. In fact, one of the reasons why India succeeded at Durban was because the group of BASIC countries (Brazil, South Africa, India and China) put up a strong and united front. At the same time, in its own long-term interest, India needs to work hard on cutting down carbon emission.
