(a) whether it is a fact that most of the natural calamities are occurring due to the impact of climate change;
(b) if so, the initiatives proposed to be taken by the Government to face such challenges;
(c) whether most of the developed countries in the world have already taken measures to limit the emission of Green House Gases; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and extent to which such measures have been beneficial along with India`s initiatives in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)
(a)& (b) There is no clearly established cause and effect relationship between global warming and extreme weather events such as excessive rains and drought. While a degree of variability in extreme weather phenomena including rainfall has been noticed, these phenomena cannot always be related to climate change. Recognising the challenges of Climate Change, Government has released the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) on June 30, 2008 which outlines India’s strategy to meet the challenge of Climate Change and enhance the ecological sustainability of India’s development path. All the State Governments are also preparing State Action Plan on Climate Change to address the state specific priorities including meeting challenges of natural disaster.
(c)& (d) As per the Kyoto Protocol under United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), only the developed countries that are parties to Protocol have quantified green house gas emission reduction targets. Developing countries including India does not have legally binding reduction commitments under Kyoto Protocol. However, Government of India is taking steps voluntarily to reduce green house gas emissions. Public and private sector entities participate in the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol which helps in reducing emissions. India’s further enhanced action will depend on the support in terms of finance and technology provided by the developed countries.