Developing countries are not to blame for climate change, but they suffer the brunt of the consequences: Bhupender Yadav
The developed world is “historically accountable” for the current climatic crisis, and developing countries, particularly island nations, are simply facing the brunt of it, according to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Thursday.
Speaking at the ‘Voice of the Global South Summit’ Environment Ministers’ Session, Yadav restated India’s position of representing developing countries on climate change targets.
He also revealed that the Environment and Climate Sustainability Track will feature subjects such as “circular economy, blue economy, and rehabilitation of damaged land” during India’s G20 presidency.
The two-day Summit was opened on Thursday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“The terrible repercussions of climate change are hanging big over the survival of many poor countries, who have contributed nothing to climate change,” Yadav said, adding that India knows the “special vulnerability” of developing and small island developing states.
“Urgent global climate action is, certainly, the need of the hour,” the Minister stated.
“This must be guided by climate justice principles such as equity, shared but differentiated responsibilities, and mutual respect” (CBDR-RC). The industrialised world has already depleted its share of climate resources, and it is past time for them to accept responsibility for their conduct.”
Yadav said although the developed world has utilised the resources of “mother Earth” “without caring for the environment”, the developing world is walking the path of progress “without taking proper care of the consequences on the ecosystem”.
“India has championed the voice of the developing world in all the international forums including at the 27th session of Conference of parties of UNFCCC and 15th session of the Conference of parties of CBD. “India has often reminded the rich world that it is their unavoidable obligation to provide financial and technological assistance to the developing world in order to counteract the effects of climate change,” he added.
The minister also stated that the IPCC report (AR6-II) stated that insufficient adaptation owing to a lack of financial and technological resources, capacity building, and other constraints results in losses and damages. “The report also underlines that vulnerability is exacerbated by a lack of development, as well as social and economic inequities,” Yadav stated.
The landmark resolution on funding arrangements for responding to loss and damage associated with adverse effects of climate change was taken at the recent COP 27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, and governments agreed to establish a new finance mechanism.
According to Yadav, the finance arrangement will assist produce resources for developing and vulnerable countries to address climate change.
“Throughout history, most wealthy nations have taken a harsh route to progress. It resulted in unsustainable resource usage both at home and in subjugated colonies… During the 15th session of the CBD Conference of Parties, India made serious efforts to reach consensus on a number of issues important to the developing South. “India worked hard for Digital Sequence Information (DSI),” Yadav noted.
Pointing out that the Summit will focus on the pressing issues facing the Global South, including balancing growth and environmentally friendly lifestyles, Yadav said India is committed to tackle the impact of climate change and support the efforts of developing countries to achieve their developmental goals “through necessary developmental and technical assistance”.
