‘Developed nations should take responsibility’

Lamenting the fact that developed countries were shying away from their responsibilities in tackling climate change,Minister of External Affairs S M Krishna has said the “unsustainable lifestyles and patterns of production and consumption” in the developed world could not be allowed to continue.

Speaking at the round table during the climate change meeting at the United Nations on Tuesday,Krishna said,“Climate negotiations should be focusing on the developed countries from where the problem has emanated and who are reluctant even to meet their commitments on emission reduction,let alone provide technological and financial support to developing countries on the vast scale required.

He further noted,“Instead,the onus for action is sought to be shifted to developing countries,which have contributed little to the accumulation of greenhouse gases and face the huge burden of adaptation.”

Krishna expressed India’s keenness to be part of the solution,even though “India has not created the problem in any way”. He talked about the steps being taken by India to contribute to the effort to containing global warming but expressed disappointment at the unwillingness of the developed countries to do their bit.