Green bodies lauds India's ratification of Paris climate deal

New Delhi: Lauding India's ratification of the Paris climate deal, green bodies today said it increases the pressure on rich nations, which have contributed the most to this problem, to reduce emissions and also shows that the country's leaders are standing with the global community in its efforts to tackle climate change.

Noting that the step gives out a clear indication that India both needs urgent action at home and globally, the bodies said that India must make sure that the next steps that will be negotiated really do reflect "fairness and equitable action" for all.

Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) said that by ratification India has shown itself as a serious global player in the climate negotiations.

"By being in the club of early ratifiers, India has shown itself as a responsible and serious global player in the climate negotiations.

"But ratification is just the beginning of tough and difficult negotiations ahead. India will have to play an important role in making Paris Agreement effective and equitable," said Chandra Bhushan, CSE Deputy Director General.

CSE also noted the Paris Agreement is "weak and not enough" to keep the global average temperatures rise below 2.0 degrees Celsius as compared to the pre-industrial era and developed countries have pledged very low emissions cut targets.

"The Paris deal is weak and erases historical responsibility of the developed countries in addressing climate change. However, there is still enough scope for equity and ambition in the current framework of Paris Agreement. India should strive to bring Equity back into the climate agenda," said Sunita Narain, Director General, CSE.

India today ratified the landmark Paris climate deal, giving a significant push for the deal to enter into force by the end of this year.

The pact will come into force after it has been ratified by at least 55 countries which account for 55 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. With India's move, a total of 62 countries accounting for almost 52 per cent of emissions have now ratified the accord.

Global research body, World Resources Institute (WRI) said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made clear that his actions are driven by the necessity of blunting climate impacts today and for future generations but also the significant economic opportunities for a clean energy future.

"India's leaders are standing shoulder to shoulder with the global community on climate change, a common challenge that unites us all," Manish Bapna, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, WRI told PTI.