Take lead in cutting emissions: BASIC to developed nations

Paris: India along with other BASIC nations today expressed "disappointment" at the "low" level of support provided by the developed countries to the developing nations in fighting climate change and asserted that it was imperative that they must make "visible" lead in cutting emissions.

The BASIC countries which comprise of China India, Brazil and South Africa also made it clear that the agreement that will be reached in Paris must fully respect the principles of United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC) particularly the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibility (CBDR) and there should be "no question" of diluting them.

The grouping of four large newly industrialised countries also said they are engaging with nations in a constructive and cooperative spirit and have shown "flexibility" on issues and hoped that an agreement can be reached by Friday.

They also said that they remain committed to reach a "comprehensive, balanced, ambitious and legally binding" agreement on climate change while reaffirming their commitment to the unity of G77 and China.

"Paris agreement that we are negotiating has to be under convention (UNFCCC). It is for enhancement and implementation of it. This is fundamental. The new agreement should fully respect convention principles in particular CBDR. There is no question of diluting these principles which continue to remain valid," India Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said.

"We remain disappointed with the low level of climate ambition and support provided by developed countries," he said in a joint media briefing where environment ministers of the other three countries were present.

"It is imperative that developed countries which have the historical responsibility and also larger capabilities must take visible lead in cutting emissions and providing financial and technology support to the developing world.

"But unfortunately it has not come the way it should have," he said as the high-level ministerial segment entered the second day.

The Minister said that the new agreement should also make these principles effectively operational in its various elements.

He noted that to reach an agreement in Paris, whether it will take 80 hours or 100 depends on the collective wisdom of nations and the time had come to summon political will of countries to reach an accord.

"BASIC stands together for climate ambition, equity and solidarity with all developing countries. We have shown through our actions that we are aggressively addressing climate change and contributing to dealing with global problems," the Minister said.