When the last UNDP report was launched, it raised eyebrows as it suggested that developing countries like India take on emission cuts in addition to the action taken by the richer countries. United Nations Development Programme Administrator and Under Secretary General Kemal Dervis was in the capital recently. Speaking to Sonu Jain, he said that developed and developing countries had different responsibilities, but would have to strive together to prevent temperature rise of more than two degrees Celsius. However, he said, the rich countries should fund this move towards cleaner, efficient technologies for a country like India

•You seem to recommend cuts in emissions by India even as it grows. Is this possible?

There are many ways in which a country can embark on an energy efficient growth path. There are new technologies to capture carbon, that can be used when new coal power plants are being set up. There are technologies for renewables and India is already at a comparative advantage. These have long-term benefits but involve costs in the short term. The costs should be borne by developed countries. It is not a question of helping the poor, if emissions are reduced, everyone benefits.

•Is there any financial mechanism you have in mind of transferring funding from developed countries?

Subsidised investment through banks like the World Bank and Asian Development Bank is one such way. Cap and trade mechanism is another. There are different ways to apply technology if the basic principle is agreed upon — if there is more benefit, everyone contributes. So far, the record of developed countries has been poor. Except for CDM, of which India is a key beneficiary, there isn’t much to show.

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