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On its way to the next yearly climate conference in Durban, South-Africa (December 2011) the UNFCCC is organizing various consultative meetings and workshops. This weeks' (3rd-8th of April) Climate Conference in Bangkok, included a workshop on nationally mitigation actions submitted by developing country parties.
India's commitment
Of course, we were most curious about the Government of India's pledge for 2020 emission reduction to deal with unavoidable consequences of climate change (adaption) and a shift to a green low carbon economy (mitigation). To our surprise, the statement of Mr. Girish Sant excludes the emissions in the agricultural sector in the first paragraph of the presentation: India will endeavor to reduce emissions intensity of its GDP by 20-25% by 2020 in comparison to the 2005 level." (Excludes agricultural emissions, which are not increasing).
Agriculture and greenhouse gases
Currently, agriculture is the single most important emitter of global greenhouse gases in India. The agricultural sector is essential in providing jobs to millions of people in rural areas and a basic part of the countries' food security system. There are several indicators of non-sustainability of the current patterns of agricultural production, consumption and economic growth. They include land degradation, depletion and pollution of water resources, loss of biodiversity and forest resources. A pragmatic approach to climate change adaption and mitigation should include at least a sustainable development strategy of the agricultural sector, including aspects like food security and management of natural resources, optimal use of renewable energy resources and poverty alleviation.
Transformation process
Prakruthi believes that a realistic Indian climate change policy needs a shift from focusing solely on industry, towards a sustainable economic production system, including addressing the agricultural sector and its emissions.
All of the Bangkok presentations are available at the UNFCCC website.
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