•Why do you think India should cut emissions where there is a huge gap between what India emits and the most powerful emitters?

Unless all significant polluting countries make some contribution to climate mitigation, we are going to be in serious trouble. Broadly speaking, per capita emissions should be based on principles that reflect long-term equity. Countries have to find the approach that everyone has to agree to. There are right signals coming from India — the national action plan on climate change in June, significant steps taken towards energy efficiency and renewables. This shows India is looking into the problem. An international approach must be discussed. Manmohan Singh’s proposal of equality in per capita emission is a good starting point.

•What is the link between mitigation of climate change and poverty?

Climate change means greater water scarcity and problems for agriculture. Reports suggest yield as well as production may significantly fall. In a cyclone, while the rich can get away, the houses of the poor will get swept away. In those parts of the world where it is already hot, temperature increase means that there is more suffering.

•Do you think carbon markets can help address climate change?

Markets can take care of the problem, if properly regulated. They cannot exist by themselves. Right policies have to help create markets.

•What exactly would you like a country like India to do?

Developed countries should share most part of the burden. Like we said in the UNDP report, they should cut as much as 80 per cent by 2050. Developing countries cannot take cuts in some measure, geographic variation has to be kept in mind. We cannot expect Burkina Faso, Niger to cut emissions. The fact is even if developed countries cut by 80 per cent, and developing countries continue to emit, the world may run into trouble. Some participation is important to get into solving this problem.

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