India to ratify climate change pact on Oct 2

Tribune News Service

Kozhikode, September 25

India will ratify the Paris Agreement on climate change on October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced at the party's National Council meeting here today. 

Drawing parallels between Jana Sangh leader  Deen Dayal Upadhyay and Gandhi’s thoughts on sustaining natural resources and minimal carbon footprint,  Modi said it was only appropriate that the announcement be associated with the birth anniversaries of the two great men.

“There is one work left in the CoP21 (Conference of Parties). Ratification is yet to be done and India too is yet to do it. Today, on the birth anniversary of Deen Dayal Upadhyay, I announce that India will ratify the decision on October 2,” Modi said. 

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The Paris Agreement calls on countries to combat climate change by accelerating and intensifying actions and investment required for a sustainable low carbon future.

During the climate meet in December last, more than 190 nations had agreed on setting ambitious goals to cap global warming. The effort is to be backed by rich nations in terms of money and technology to poor, developing countries facing a climate catastrophe. The pact will come into force 30 days after it is ratified by at least 55 countries, accounting for 55 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

So far, 60 countries, including the world’s top two polluters — the US and China — have ratified the agreement. India is the fourth largest emitter after the European Union. However, in terms of per capita contribution, it is way below the ladder.

The agreement requires countries to present national plans to reduce emissions to limit the temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius.