Kyoto Protocol: Govt nod to ratify second commitment period

Tribune News Service

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New Delhi, January 24

The Cabinet today approved the ratification of the second commitment period of Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) that commits countries to contain the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs).

Chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Cabinet gave the approval to the international treaty that was adopted by nations in 2012 and has been ratified by 75 countries.

According to a statement, “in view of the critical role played by India in securing international consensus on climate change issues, this decision further underlines India’s leadership in the comity of nations committed to global cause of environmental protection and climate justice.

“The ratification of the Kyoto Protocol by India will encourage other developing countries also to undertake this exercise. Implementation of Clean Development Mechanism projects under this commitment period in accordance with sustainable development priorities will attract investments in India as well,” it said, adding that “developing countries like India have no mandatory mitigation obligations or targets under the Kyoto Protocol”.

The UNFCC seeks to stabilise GHG concentration in the atmosphere at a level that would minimise interference with the climate system.

“India has always emphasised the importance of climate actions by developed country parties in the pre-2020 period. Besides, it has advocated climate actions based on the principles and provisions of the convention, such as the principle of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities,” the statement said.